Chicago couple accused of scamming nuns

CHICAGO, March 19 (UPI) -- A married Chicago couple allegedly scammed a group of nuns from a Roman Catholic order in Wisconsin out of more than $800,000, authorities say.

Federal agents allege Angela Purity Martin-Mulu, 35, and Edward Bosire, 39, managed to convince members of an Order of the Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel ministry in Pewaukee, Wis., to give them funds for medical treatments and college tuition, the Chicago Tribune said Thursday.

An FBI affidavit alleges there are no records indicating the couple ever used the nuns' contributions for medical treatment or for college tuition and fees.

Martin-Mulu allegedly told the Carmelites he suffered from ailments such as malaria, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

The couple also stands accused of conning members of a Carmelite order in Des Plaines, Ill., out of nearly $20,000, the Tribune said.

Authorities allege the couple used the same scam on the Illinois order, claiming they were a brother and sister who fled Kenya because their father's life was in danger.

The Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald said the couple, which is facing prosecution in Wisconsin, also allegedly targeted a church in Hudson, Wis.