Maria Dickerson: 'Beauty Queen' Conned Investors in the US

Maria Dickerson, 49, also known as 'Dulce Pino,' has pleaded guilty to defrauding investors in the US. Through a pyramid scheme, she stole over $8 million (approximately €8 million) from 2020 to 2024.

Dickerson sold fake shares in Creative Legal Fundings of California, claiming investors' money was safe and backed by substantial capital. She lied about the company's ties to a multinational casino executive and claimed to have won the 'Ms. Woman Nevada' pageant.

She promised a 10% return and hosted a victim in a Las Vegas suite to persuade him to invest. She used new investor money to pay off older ones.

With the stolen money, she bought a car, designer goods, and a house in Sacramento, funded vacations, gambled in casinos, and traveled by private jet.

At least €6 million came from the Filipino community in the US. Dickerson was arrested and faces up to 40 years in prison.