Paula Bonhomme was a married mother when she met who she thought was a single firefighter with a young son. After courting online for several months, Bonhomme agreed to send her virtual boyfriend cash and gifts. In return, “Jesse Jubilee James,” sent Bonhomme pictures that were drawn by his child. After Bonhomme learned that James was killed in a fire she became alarmed, and then suspicious. Flying from her home in California out to Colorado in order to get answers, Bonhomme was shocked when he found that James never existed. In an elaborate scheme, Janna St. James, a 58 year old disabled woman, convinced Bonhomme that she was someone else.
When confronted, St. James was unapologetic. Although St. James has not been charged with a crime she has been sued multiple times by Bonhomme. Each time, the cases have been dismissed citing that Bonhomme had filed in the wrong venue or that the statute of limitations had run out. Now, a new lawsuit has been filed alleging that Bonhomme should be able to recoup all of her losses and be compensated for emotional pain. In total, lawyers for Bonhomme want St. James to pay her more than $100,000. While Bonhomme has not been awarded a settlement she has been using the Internet to educate others on the dangers of online dating. According to Bonhomme, several of St. James’ victims have gotten in contact with her and given her more information on the inner workings of this alleged scammer that she may be able to use to her advantage.
