LEWISBURG, W.Va. — What began as an online dating connection ended in a theft and fraud investigation Sunday, culminating in the arrest of a woman at the White Sulphur Springs Amtrak station, according to the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were dispatched around 10:56 a.m. on January 11, 2026, to a residence on Brush Road following a report of stolen property. Investigators learned the victim had invited a woman he met through an internet dating app to stay at his home for several days. He knew her as “Seal Masters” and “Ruby” and believed she was seeking a long-term relationship.
The victim told deputies he picked the woman up from the Amtrak station on January 10 and returned her there the next morning. After arriving home alone, he discovered numerous valuables missing, including pocket watches, wristwatches, gold necklaces, rings, collectible coins, religious memorabilia, and other personal items. One wristwatch was valued at approximately $2,000.
While deputies were at the residence, the woman continued contacting the victim by phone. During one overheard conversation, she allegedly requested $4,000, claiming financial hardship. Investigators then arranged a meeting at the Amtrak station.
At approximately 2:13 p.m., deputies located and detained the woman at the station. During the encounter, officers found oversized latex gloves in her jacket, believed to have been used to prevent leaving fingerprints. Deputies also later observed a box of extra-large medical gloves in the bedroom where the woman had stayed.
The woman was identified as Ginger Taylor Pirada Yonko Mitchell, who admitted she was returning the victim’s belongings and referenced a black duffle bag in her possession. Deputies secured the bag and transported her to the Lewisburg detachment.
After obtaining a search warrant, deputies found a pillowcase inside the duffle bag containing stolen property, including gold and sterling silver necklaces, rings, pocket watches, and other valuables. Identified items were valued at approximately $3,537, with additional collectibles still being assessed.
Investigators concluded Mitchell used a false online identity to gain access to the victim’s home, steal valuables, and continue manipulating him by requesting money under false pretenses.
Mitchell was formally charged with Grand Larceny and Fraudulent Schemes.
