Norwalk Woman & Accomplice Accused Of $167,000 Embezzlement Plot: Feds

NORWALK, CT — A federal grand jury has indicted a Norwalk woman and a former Milford resident on charges related to an alleged investment fraud scheme, Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman and New Haven FBI Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla announced.

Norwalk resident Melanie Ham, 40, and Marc Anthony Alexander, 44, are accused of conspiring to defraud a Connecticut resident out of $167,000, according to authorities.

The indictment alleges that in 2022, Ham registered a business named Traveling Graces, LLC, with the state, listing herself as the registered agent and Alexander — using the title "Dr. Marc Anthony Alexander" — as the company’s manager.

Between July and December 2023, prosecutors say Alexander and Ham falsely portrayed the business as a legitimate investment opportunity and persuaded the victim to provide two bank checks totaling $167,000. Authorities allege the pair used the funds for personal expenses.

Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Alexander pleaded not guilty at a hearing in federal court in Hartford on May 11. He remains in federal custody. Ham previously pleaded not guilty and is free on a $100,000 bond.

Federal officials emphasized that the charges are allegations and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.