Three Charged As Psychic Frauds

Three Astoria women claiming to be psychics have been charged with fortune telling following an investigation in which undercover officers posed as clients interested in obtaining readings. In one case, it is charged that the alleged psychic defrauded one of the officers of more than a thousand dollars by claiming to be able to perform exorcism rites to remove evil spirits.
The defendants have been identified as Sabrina Martell (a/k/a Sabrina Mitchell), 42; Dorothy Miller, 53; and Rose Miller (a/k/a Rosa), 73, all of Astoria.  
Martell is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, first-degree scheme to defraud and fortune telling. The Millers, who are not related, are each charged with petit larceny and fortune telling. If convicted, Martell faces up to four years in prison and the Millers each face up to one year in jail.
Under New York State law a person cannot hold him or herself out as a fortune teller and claim to use occult powers to answer questions,  give advice or exorcise evil spirits or curses unless it is stated that the readings are done for entertainment or amusement purposes only.