Issaquah Psychic Accused of Stealing Client's Money in Cleansing Scam

An Issaquah palm-reader is facing charges of felony theft after police say she stole nearly $30,000 from a client under the guise of a "cleansing" ritual.

According to charging documents, the alleged victim was going through a divorce and told police she first visited Paula Ann Adams at her Front Street shop in November 2012. Over the next few weeks, the woman paid Adams several more visits, and, at the psychic's request, brought along $25,000 in cash and $4,000 worth of Nordstrom gift cards to be cleaned of evil spirits.

Instead, Adams allegedly ended up spending six of the eight $500 gift cards at Bellevue Square the same evening she received them, purchasing several pairs of designer shoes, men's cuff links and a Tory Burch handbag.

Adams was arrested in March after Bellevue Police searched her home and office and conducted an undercover investigation into her business. One of the psychic's associates—who identified himself as a "Gypsy Tribunal Counsel Leader" subsequently attempted to bribe King County prosecutors by offering to write a $4,000 check to "make this go away," according to charging documents.

In requesting bail, prosecutors wrote they believe Adams is part of "a loosely organized crime group known as Romas." She faces one count of first-degree theft and five counts of second-degree theft. Her arraignment has been set for May 30.