Latest news with #JasonMorris
News.com.au
07-08-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Newcastle brothel up for lease as industry woes continue
A legal Newcastle brothel with chains hanging from the ceilings and red lights in the rooms has come up for lease for the second time in 18 months as the adult industry continues to face challenges. Now known as Emotions Gentlemen's Club, the property on Hunter St has been listed with a lease of $74,000 a year. The business' website describes Emotions as a 'refined gentlemen's club' and 'a discreet sanctuary where pleasure meets relaxation'. It is also described as a location where 'indulgence knows no limits'. The property with five bedrooms and multiple ensuite showers has been sold twice since 2018 and operated by three different companies in the last three years. According to it sold in 2018 for $650,000 and in 2022 for $935,000. The property was listed for lease last year when it was home to Madam P Adult Entertainment Club, which launched its business on the premises in October 2022. Eighteen months prior, the landlord completed extensive renovations on the site. Before that, the property was operated by another adult service provider, Luxe Entertainment. According to the listing, the building 'has been approved and operating with this use since the early 90s'. Now, the listing claims, 'the opportunity has arrived for new operators'. With five separate rooms across three levels, the listing says 'it is equipped with all that is needed to start trading.' Listing agent Jason Morris from Movable said the property was best set up to continue operating in the same industry. 'The property is set up for that so I think it would be hard for another business to come in,' he said. 'We haven't found a tenant yet, but a lot of the value is in the license,' he said. In recent years a number of old brothels have been sold as residential listings, marketed on their development potential. Earlier this week, Bondi Icebergs founder Maurice Terzini listed his Potts Point terrace which had previously operated as a brothel. The listing for the Kellet St property – once known as Michelle's – claims that 'it holds valuable mixed-use zoning and DA approval for conversion to a residential dwelling'. Closures, rebrands and the pivot towards residential conversions have come as a result of a difficult few years for the brothel industry. MORE: Family buy house for $14m just to get rid of it Gentrification, financing difficulties and competition from illegal massage parlours and online escort agencies have heavily impacted these businesses. In a previous report, businessman Milan Stamenkovic – the former owner of a multimillion-dollar brothel on the north shore – said many licensed brothels were struggling due to this competition. 'It can be hard,' he said. 'In this industry, 20 per cent of the businesses make 80 per cent of the revenue.'
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Firm moves staff into new office that 'takes inspiration' from Glasgow
The company has 1,100 people working for them in Scotland and its new office is just across the road from the firm's current base on Bothwell Street. The decision to move coincides with Jason Morris being named Glasgow Market Senior Partner, taking over from Robin McBurnie. Mr McBurnie had held the role for the last five years. His replacement will also continue to lead the overall Scottish business as Scotland Markets Leader. The new office space has been designed to support the firm's evolved way of working, bringing staff together in a digitally enabled and modern environment that reflects PwC's transformation and commitment to client-centric and purpose-led growth. The move comes after 15 years in its previously location and the company says it underlines its long-term investment in Scotland, where it has strong and growing regional teams. Those teams deliver a wide range of assurance, tax, deals and consulting services to clients across the country in sectors such as energy, food and drink and financial services that are vital to Scotland's economy. The move see PwC occupying levels eight and nine of the Aurora building at 120 Bothwell Street. The two floors is 26,000 sq. ft. of floor space and offers a 'bespoke flexible and collaborative workspace' that has been created. The design has taken inspiration from Glasgow itself, with the colour strategy based on the city's famous sandstone architecture. Glasgow's renown as the 'dear green place' is also on show with everything from the office's leading sustainability credentials to meeting rooms being named after the city's parks and green spaces. There is also a nod to the city's creatives throughout, from its musical heritage to street art and hints of the famous Glasgow humour all part of the new building also. READ NEXT: Man left for dead after he was struck with machetes, swords and baseball bat READ NEXT: Paramedic from Paisley collided with taxi while medics treated patient The Aurora building is one of Scotland's most environmentally advanced office developments and reiterates PwC's commitment to sustainability. PwC has a long history in Glasgow, with previous locations for the firm including Kintyre House in West George Street and Blythswood Square before the company then made the move to 140 Bothwell Street in 2009, and now across the road to 120 Bothwell Street. Robin McBurnie, Glasgow Market Senior Partner at PwC UK, said: 'Glasgow has been an important part of our firm's story for decades, and this next chapter reflects the energy, ambition and talent that define both our people and this city. 'Our investment here is testament to our belief in Glasgow's bright future as a leading centre for business and innovation, and as a born and bred Glaswegian I couldn't be prouder of the space we've created for our people.' Jason Morris, Scotland Market Leader at PwC UK, said: 'It's a real honour to be taking over as Glasgow Senior Partner from Robin to add to my broader Scotland role. Robin has done an exceptional job growing our presence and impact in the city. 'I'm even more excited to be stepping into the role at a time when we're opening a new office designed for the future needs of our people and clients.' Carl Sizer, Chief Markets Officer, PwC UK, said: 'Our firm's move into a new Glasgow office is more than just a change of address – it's a symbol of our confidence in Scotland and our commitment to growing with and for our clients here. 'Scotland is a vital market for us, and this new space enables our people to thrive, collaborate, and continue delivering high-quality work at the heart of a vibrant and innovative economy. 'It also strengthens our ability to tackle skills and productivity gaps, particularly in regions most affected by the energy transition, while expanding access to high-quality jobs for people across Glasgow and beyond.'
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Oklahoma woman — posing as a man — scammed 4 seniors out of a stunning $1,500,000, officials say
In December 2024, a man named Jason Morris persuaded his online girlfriend — a senior woman living in Oklahoma — to send him $120,000 to bring an oil vessel he supposedly owned back to shore. Once the tanker returned, Morris promised, the couple would move in together. When the woman's bank held the funds, likely over fraud concerns, Morris allegedly instructed her to lie — to tell the bank she was buying property, not funding a massive maritime rescue. But Oklahoma officials say there was no oil rig, and there was no Jason Morris. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how According to authorities, the man behind the screen was actually 53-year-old Christine Joan Echohawk. The fake romance was part of a months-long scam that dispossessed four women between the ages of 64 and 79 of $1.5 million. According to a news release from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Echohawk created multiple online personas — Jason Morris, Edward Lotts and Glenn Goadard among them — to manipulate her victims into believing they were in committed relationships. Each alias came with an elaborate backstory and an urgent financial need. One woman sold her paid-off home to send more than $600,000 to 'Edward Lotts,' who promised to unlock a $2 million payout and move in with her once the funds were released. Another woman sent $250,000 to 'Glenn Goadard,' who claimed he needed help managing a financial portfolio from Syria. All of the money, officials say, ended up in bank accounts controlled by Echohawk. Authorities allege she laundered the funds through multiple accounts, converting some into cryptocurrency and sending it to unidentified recipients. She also received checks, wire transfers and tens of thousands of dollars in Apple gift cards. The scam fell apart in January 2025 when MidFirst Bank flagged a suspicious $120,000 transaction. The Consumer Protection Unit within Drummond's office launched an investigation and linked the payment — and several others — to Echohawk. Echohawk first claimed she was also a victim, reports NBC News. However, when investigators searched her purse, they found multiple bank cards tied to accounts related to the scams, gift cards, and deposit slips for $110,000. Echohawk now faces four counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and one count of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. If convicted, she could spend up to 62 years in prison and face $260,000 in fines. 'I applaud the work of my Consumer Protection Unit to fight for these victims and to hold accountable their alleged perpetrator," Drummond said in the press release. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP According to the FBI, romance scams — also called confidence scams — often target individuals who believe they're in a relationship with someone they've met online. Scammers use emotion, trust and manipulation to convince their victims to send money, gift cards or personal information. Here are a few ways to protect yourself or loved ones from romance scams: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. No matter how close the relationship feels, treat financial requests from online-only connections with extreme skepticism. Research online friends or partners. Use online searches to verify their image, name or other details, and see if they've been used in other scams Be wary of dramatic backstories. Stories involving oil rigs, military deployments or large inheritances are common red flags that you're being scammed. Don't share personal financial information. Scammers may ask for bank details or offer to send you money — don't fall for it. Watch for inconsistencies. Romance scammers often use stolen photos and recycled scripts. If their story seems too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to warnings. If your bank or another trusted financial advisor warns you of a scam, take a step back. These scams are often very elaborate — designed to trick you. Talk to someone you trust if you're suspicious. If you're unsure about a relationship, confide in a trusted friend or family member. Outside perspectives can help spot red flags you might miss. With awareness and the right amount of skepticism, you can help ensure you and your loved ones don't fall victim to a romance scam. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
NBC News
10-04-2025
- NBC News
Oklahoma woman scammed $1.5 million out of elderly women posing as men in fake romances, officials say
In December 2024, Oklahoma officials say Jason Morris convinced his online, elderly girlfriend to send him $120,000 to pay for an oil vessel carrying 700,000 barrels in Alaska he allegedly owned to return to shore. Once the rig returned, she and Morris would move in together. The bank held the funds, according to court documents. Morris instructed the woman to contact her bank and lie to them, saying the funds were for purchasing property and not for the alleged oil tanker. But the bank was right to raise suspicion — officials say there was never an Alaskan oil rig. In fact, they say there was never a Jason Morris. 'Scams that target seniors' Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old woman from Oklahoma, was allegedly the face behind the screen, scamming the older woman out of hundreds of thousands of dollars and laundering the money. Four different women were scammed out of $1.5 million through Echohawk's online romance scams between Sept. 30 and Dec. 26, 2024, according to a release from the office of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The women were between the ages of 64 and 79 and all lived outside of Oklahoma. 'These types of scams that target seniors are especially egregious,' Drummond said in the release. The attorney general filed charges against Echohawk on Monday for 'unlawful use of criminal proceeds and using a computer to violate state statutes,' the release said. Echohawk was sent cash, checks, wired funds and even tens of thousands in Apple gift cards. Authorities say Echohawk laundered the funds through various accounts, converting the money into cryptocurrency and sending those crypto payments to an unidentified suspect. Jason Morris, Edward Lotts and Glenn Goadard The alleged scams included fake names — such as Edward Lotts and Glenn Goadard — and elaborate backstories explaining the need for loads of cash, according to a probable cause affidavit. Lotts convinced one woman to send more than $600,000 to pay off a debt that would allow $2 million to be released to "him." When the debt was paid off, Lotts would move in with her, the affidavit stated. The victim sold her paid-off home to send all the money. Goadard contacted another woman claiming to know her since college. The woman was persuaded into paying $250,000 for expenses on a financial portfolio Goadard would send her from Syria. But Echohawk allegedly received all the funds, depositing them into a MidFirst Bank account in which she was the sole signatory, according to the affidavit. The Stillwater MidFirst Bank branch tipped off Drummond's office in January, suspecting Echohawk of senior-fraud activity after a $120,000 payment from one of the victims was intercepted and held, according to the release. The Consumer Protection Unit subsequently investigated. Confidence/romance crimes and Maurice Deniro Defined as a confidence/romance scheme by the FBI, these crimes occur when an individual believes they are in a relationship — whether family, friend or romantic — and manipulated into sending money, financial or personal information, or items of value to a perpetrator. The FBI Internet Crime Report found more than $600 million was lost in 2023 to confidence/romance crimes alone. Local law enforcement confronted Echohawk about the suspected criminal activity in January, but after a short hiatus she allegedly continued to launder the money. Echohawk was voluntarily interviewed at the Pawnee police department on March 26, an interview she opened with asking if it would "all go away" if she paid back the individuals who sent her money, according to the affidavit. But she then claimed it was her who was in an online relationship, that she was receiving cash, checks, wire transfers and other items since 2023 for an individual under the alias of Maurice Dinero, the affidavit said. Echohawk claimed there were "red flags" about her situation and had concerns she would be arrested. When Echohawk consented to having her purse searched, the affidavit said, there were multiple bank cards associated with accounts she allegedly laundered money through, a MidFirst Bank deposit slip for $110,000 and several Apple gift cards found with the barcodes revealed. There was also $500 in cash, which Echohawk said was from individuals sending money to the alias, but she had not yet deposited. Echohawk faces four counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and one count of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, which could carry up to 62 years in prison and $260,000 in fines, the release said. She has been held in Pawnee County Jail since Monday, according to Pawnee County Sheriff's Office records. An attorney was not listed and it's unclear if she has legal representation.
