Lillian Arielle Markowitz, a surrogacy consultant from Portland, Oregon, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with exploiting clients seeking surrogacy. She operated three San Diego businesses, promoting herself as a consultant to aspiring parents. However, facing financial struggles, she illegally accessed escrow accounts belonging to couples and falsely promised others she would secure their funds for surrogacy. Instead, she misappropriated clients' money for her business and personal expenses. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized the emotional toll on victims, and Markowitz faces a possible 20-year prison sentence while agreeing to repay at least $389,000 in restitution.
Markowitz devised a scheme to steal money from her surrogacy clients, emptying escrow accounts without their knowledge, as she faced financial difficulties.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath stated that Markowitz selfishly exploited vulnerable clients striving for parenthood, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges of surrogacy.
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