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

The Case of Jeffrey Kent

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.

The Nature of the Scam

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.

The Extent of His Criminal History

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

In April 2022 he pleaded guilty to defrauding five victims he met on dating sites in 2016 and 2017. In most cases, he used the name “Jeff Sheridan” or “Jeff Sheenan” and told the women he was a criminal defense lawyer, a retired Crown prosecutor, or a law professor.

The Psychopathic Tendencies

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.

The Impact on His Victims

“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.

The Verdict

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