MONTREAL — A Don Juan-style fraudster who persuaded women he spotted on personal ads to fork over money has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Mario Thouin, a 61-year-old former car salesman, admitted to luring seniors by responding to personals ads in magazines. He would charm them while slowly draining their accounts.
In 2009 and 2010, Thouin fleeced five victims of nearly $200,000. They ranged in age from 61 to 73.
Thouin's charms were very convincing. One woman drew money from her RRSP, borrowed money from relatives, cashed in her mother's life-insurance policy and gave Thouin a cash advance from her credit card.
The defendant pleaded guilty to fraud and extortion and was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison.
He will serve seven years behind bars, including time already served.
