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NW Indiana Police Announce Charges Against 'Sweetheart Swindler'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police call him the "Sweetheart Swindler."

Lenard Adams is accused of conning four women out of their hard-earned cash, in addition to allegations of sex crimes. Police suspect there are many more victims.

According to friends, Adams, 32, often stayed at a house in Gary.

"He's a professional poker player. As he told the judge. That's no secret. That's not illegal," a woman who identified herself as Adams' mother told CBS 2.

The charges against Adams include rape, confinement and intimidation involving a woman in Merrillville; two counts each of kidnapping and intimidation involving two women in Hobart; and three counts of theft in connection with a woman in Highland.

"This is shocking, you know. It don't feel good, but I love my son," Adams' mother said.

Because Lenard Adams listed several addresses in Northwest Indiana and suburban Illinois and was known to gamble in Michigan, Wisconsin and Las Vegas, police suspect there are many more victims.

More details on the charges against Adams are expected Tuesday.

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