Woman Accused in Newtown, Conn. Victim Scam

The FBI has arrested a woman who allegedly posed as the aunt of a Newtown, Conn. shooting victim and solicited money in his name through Facebook, telephone calls and text messages.

Nouel Alba, 37, of the Bronx, was arrested Thursday and charged with lying to FBI agents.

Federal prosecutors say Alba sought donations for what she called a "federal fund."

Alba was the subject of a "Today" show story about alleged scams exploiting the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. Within hours of the shooting, Alba allegedly posted a solicitation on Facebook, identifying herself as an aunt of Noah Pozner, a 6-year-old victim.

In one text to a donor, Alba wrote about being in Newtown when President Barack Obama was in town to meet with the families, according to the complaint.

The donor asked Alba if she was watching the president's speech in person.

According to the complaint, she responded: "No im sitting in my car. Emotionally I cant (sic) deal. with it right now ..tomorrow ill see (redacted) in a casket and that will be hard enough to handle."

Alexis Haller, Noah's uncle, said Alba is not related to the family and never gave the family any of the funds raised. 

READ THE FULL COMPLAINT HERE

Alba was released on a $50,000 bond . She hid her face as she left court on Thursday and said nothing to reporters. 

“This arrest should serve as a warning to anyone who attempts to profit from this tragedy by contriving fraudulent schemes that exploit the many victims, their families and individuals who sincerely want to help,” U.S. Attorney David Fein said in a statement. 

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