LaPlace psychic arrested in scam

Saturday, November 18, 2006
By Mary Swerczek Sparacello

A LaPlace woman claiming to be a psychic, who police say bilked a woman distraught over a relative's bad health out of $30,000 in 2003 and 2004, has been arrested, ending a nearly 18-month search.

Sonya G. Marks, 24, who goes by Sister Savannah and Madam Savannah, was booked with theft Thursday afternoon.

Marks told the Chicago woman in December 2003 that it would take $10,000 to remove the "evil" in her that was causing the sickness to her family member, said James Gallagher, Kenner Police Department spokesman. He said the sick family member originally went to Marks seeking help.

Gallagher wouldn't release details about the family, but a Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office arrest report said Marks told the woman that her brother had a curse on him that would cause his leg to be amputated unless the sister gave Marks money.

In January 2004, Marks again met with the woman and told her an additional $20,000 was needed to fight the evil.

After she received the money, Savannah told the woman that things would get better, Gallagher said. Marks mailed her a lucky pouch and angel pin to wear, a white candle to light every day and holy water to bath in on Sundays, Gallagher said.

But the woman's family member was hospitalized in February 2004, and she asked for her money back.

Marks refused, saying that too much work had been done.

The Chicago woman filed a police report with the Kenner Police Department in October 2004 and a warrant was issued for Marks' arrest in May 2005.

Gallagher said Marks, 1050 East Airline Drive, LaPlace, was able to elude police because of Hurricane Katrina and because she kept moving her storefront to different Kenner locations. He said her relatives and friends weren't cooperative in helping police find her.

Marks was released from jail Friday on a personal surety bond.

No one answered the door Friday afternoon at her new office building in the 1900 block of Williams Boulevard. A woman who answered the phone number given on a Madam Savannah sign said a reporter had the wrong number.

The sign advertised Savannah as "a palm and card reader, healer and advisor."