‘Psycho’ Romance Scammer Locked Up for Life

• Romance conman faked cancer, stole from online dates
• Judge declares scammer a “dangerous offender” for life
• Fraud funded compulsive gambling and luxury lifestyle lies

 A prolific romance scammer with psychopathic tendencies and a longstanding gambling addiction has been locked up indefinitely by an Alberta judge in a rare ruling for a non-violent crime.

Jeffrey Paul Kent, 55, was designated a “dangerous offender,” by Justice Melanie Hayes-Richards, a term usually reserved for the province’s most violent criminals. This allowed the judge to impose an indefinite sentence – effectively a life term.

Faked Brain Cancer

Kent defrauded multiple women across Alberta and British Columbia by fabricating online relationships and convincing them to hand over thousands of dollars under false pretenses. The total loss exceeded $170K, most of which was funneled into gambling.

According to court documents, Kent lured women via dating sites, feigning love and inventing elaborate lies to part them from their money. These included that he had terminal brain cancer or was in the middle of a business crisis and needed financial support.

Kent, 55, has a lengthy criminal history dating back to the early 1990s with more than a dozen fraud convictions.

He also claimed to be a successful real-estate investor on the side, falsely claiming that he owned hotels and mobile homes. This helped him to justify urgent financial requests, telling victims he needed help closing lucrative property deals

No Remorse

A forensic psychiatric assessment introduced in court concluded that Kent exhibits psychopathic traits, including lack of remorse, pathological lying, and emotional manipulation. The report also cited his compulsive gambling habit as a primary driver of his criminal behavior, noting that funds acquired through deceit were quickly lost at casinos and betting establishments.

Using lie upon lie, he inserted himself into his victims’ lives, promising a bright and secure future. Instead, he wreaked havoc,” Hayes-Richard said.

“He is utterly indifferent to the effect of his criminal behavior on his victims and, in some cases, their children. He has been treated for and intellectually understands his criminal behavior. He is at high risk of reoffending by committing a serious personal injury offence,” she added.

In addition to indefinite incarceration, Kent has been ordered to pay restitution to his victims.