US Citizen Given A Four Year Sentence at Downpatrick Court For Fraud
Downpatrick court has sentenced a US citizen to four years in prison for fraud and abuse of position.
Marianne Smyth was sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court today, Friday 17th October, for a number of offences which led to her fraudulently obtaining an estimated £135,000 from customers to whom she provided financial guidance.
The 56-year-old citizen of the United States of America has been held in custody since February 2024, when she was arrested by United States law enforcement partners under an extradition warrant.
She was found guilty of three counts of fraud by abuse of position and three counts of theft after a four day trial last month, September 2025, and today was sentenced to four years imprisonment.
Detective Constable Mark Anderson said: “Smyth worked as a mortgage advisor in Northern Ireland from 2005 – 2009.
During this time, she fraudulently obtained large sums of money from customers for investments which she did not make.
In order to keep up the pretence that the investments were providing dividends, Smyth at first paid money to the customers direct from her own accounts. In May 2009, these payments stopped and Smyth returned to the United States.
“Smyth’s victims reported the matter to police and an investigation commenced. In 2017, following a review of the case, the Public Prosecution Service decided to seek her extradition. In February 2024, she was arrested in Maine, and was returned to Northern Ireland in July 2024.”
Detective Constable Anderson said: “Today’s sentencing is the result of a complex investigation conducted by detectives and financial investigators with support from law enforcement partners in the United States.
“To this day, Smyth denies all responsibility for her crimes. She now faces deportation back to the United States.
“Her victims have waited a long time to see justice served, and we want to thank them for their patience and cooperation with our investigation. Sadly, one of her victims died before court proceedings concluded and our thoughts are with their family today.
“Fraud is a crime which has a profound emotional impact on its victims, in addition to the long-term financial consequences.
“Smyth targeted the savings of innocent people, some of whom considered her a friend, and acted with no thought for the long-lasting trauma she caused through her deception. Her only concern was to line her own pockets.
“Today’s sentence should send a clear message to those involved in scamming hard-working people that they will be vigorously pursued and brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions, no matter how long it takes.”
Detective Constable Anderson added: “We would encourage anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a similar crime to come forward.
“We know that some victims may feel that there is a stigma attached to ‘falling for’ this type of scam, but we can assure you that devious criminals such as Smyth go to great lengths to appear plausible in order to get their hands on your money.
“We will listen to you without judgement, and do all we can to help – the only person who has done something wrong is the criminal, and the best way to fight back against fraud is to report to police.
“Contact us by calling 101, or report online at:
https://psni.police.uk/report
More information on scams and fraud can be found at:
https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/scams-and-fraud
