Utah Woman Accused of Extorting Couple in Surrogacy Scam

Surrogacy Agreement Turned Extortion

• 🎯 A 33-year-old woman, Terresa Merz, from West Valley, Utah, is accused of extorting money from an adoptive couple from Washington D.C. during a surrogacy agreement.
• ⚖️ Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill stated that evidence suggests Merz used the surrogacy and her pregnancy to extort additional funds.

Allegations of Threats and False Claims

• 💰 Merz allegedly threatened to terminate the pregnancy unless the couple paid her an additional $7,000.
• ⚠️ After receiving $2,500, she reportedly called the couple again, claiming a miscarriage and demanding more money in exchange for medical records and remains.
• 🔍 Police believe the miscarriage never occurred, and Merz's intention was to exploit the couple's desire for a child.

Unprecedented Case

• ⏳ District Attorney Sim Gill noted that this is likely the only case of its kind filed in the last 20 to 25 years.