East Bay man sentenced for $840,363 romance scam

Barnabas Jime was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in a romance scam that defrauded 120 victims of $840,363. He was identified as the "money man" who opened bank accounts and facilitated transactions. Jime created six fake identities to withdraw funds from ATMs in Berkeley, Oakland, and Emeryville. His involvement was uncovered after he was caught using an ATM during one of the illegal transactions. In a letter to the court, Jime expressed remorse and linked his actions to the death of his father, stating he seeks redemption and plans to complete his college education.