The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont has announced that Cedric Wormely, a 58-year-old resident of Birmingham, Alabama, has been indicted on ten counts of wire fraud. The charges are linked to an alleged romance fraud scheme. This indictment follows a criminal complaint filed against Wormely in September 2024.
Wormely appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on February 3, 2025, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Doyle ordered that Wormely remain detained while the case is pending.
Court records suggest that Wormely allegedly orchestrated a plan to defraud a victim based in Vermont by posing as a New England man residing in Cumberland, Maine. He reportedly claimed to have worked for decades and expressed romantic interest in the victim. Their online relationship began around July 2022 through a dating website. Wormely allegedly convinced the victim that he was unable to access his pension and required financial assistance for a construction project in Mississippi. Trusting his promises of repayment and believing his intentions were genuine, the victim transferred over $100,000 to him via money transfer applications and wire transfers.
The United States Attorney’s Office highlighted that an indictment contains only allegations and emphasized that Wormely is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he could face up to twenty years in prison and fines reaching $250,000. The final sentence would be determined by the District Court with guidance from advisory sentencing guidelines.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher praised the investigative work conducted by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Ophardt and Michelle Arra are prosecuting the case while Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth represents Wormely.
Individuals who suspect they may have been victims of similar schemes are encouraged to contact the United States Secret Service via email at USSSBurlingtonVT@usss.dhs.gov or phone at (802) 651-4091.