Romance Scammer Convicted After Defrauding Bradenton Widower of $31,000
A Minnesota man has been convicted in connection with a romance scam that targeted a 79-year-old Bradenton widower, resulting in a financial loss of $31,000, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Benjamin Yakah, who was arrested in 2024 by the department’s Elder Fraud Unit, pleaded no contest earlier this month to grand theft involving an amount between $20,000 and $100,000, a second-degree felony. A judge sentenced him to one year in jail, followed by four years of probation, and ordered him to pay full restitution to the victim.
The investigation began in June 2024 after the victim’s children contacted authorities with concerns about their father’s online relationship with a woman named Julia. The widower had met the individual on Facebook in late 2023 and had communicated with her for approximately 8 months via Facebook Messenger.
During that time, the victim was led to believe that Julia lived in the United Kingdom and planned to relocate to the United States to begin a relationship with him. The suspect claimed she needed financial assistance to settle a debt with a man in Minnesota before moving to Florida. The victim subsequently sent cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks to addresses in Minneapolis.
Detectives later traced the financial transactions to Yakah, identifying both a residence and a bank account linked to him. Investigators also determined that the photos used for the Julia persona belonged to a woman in West Virginia who was unaware her identity had been stolen and used in the scheme.
In November 2024, Detective Jim Curulla traveled to Minnesota and, with assistance from the Bloomington Police Department, arrested Yakah. A search of his residence revealed evidence suggesting the possibility of additional victims in other states.
Yakah was extradited to Manatee County to face charges. Authorities noted that the $31,000 restitution reflects the amount that could be definitively verified through the investigation.
Romance scams continue to be a significant concern nationwide, particularly among senior citizens. The Bradenton Police Department reported that elder fraud cases investigated in 2025 alone resulted in losses exceeding $8 million.
The department encourages residents to remain cautious when engaging in online relationships and offers educational resources on fraud prevention. Printed materials are available at the department’s headquarters on 10th Street West, and additional information can be accessed through the department’s Elder Fraud Unit online.
