Prosecutor Says:

Fashion Models Bilked

CHERRY VALLEY – Victoria Pressly’s agency promised models and actors all over the country she could get them into magazines and onto the red carpet, said Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl.

But it wasn’t always so, he said.

“She talks a good game, holds herself out as someone who has connections and can get models and actors onto the red carpet, exclusive events, photo shoots and interviews,” said Muehl. “But the complaint is she gets the retainer up front and doesn’t do anything.”

Pressly, 53, owner of Victoria Pressly PR Celebrity Agency and HYPEPRnow in Cherry Valley, was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny, third degree, and Scheme to Defraud, first degree, following an investigation by the District Attorney’s office.

According to the complaint, between Nov. 5, 2018, and Jan. 15, 2019, Pressly “did steal property valued in excess of $3,000.”

According to Muehl, aspiring models paid her a retainer with the understanding that she would be able to book them for photo shoots, red carpet appearances and interviews in national publications.

“She advertised herself as a PR person,” he said.

However, the clients alleged that she never delivered on any of the promised services, and when they complained, she blocked them on social media and stopped returning calls.

Emmy Adams, the 2016 Miss Nevada, claimed she was one of Pressly’s scammed clients in a post on her Facebook page Tuesday afternoon.

“Being new to Hollywood, this woman told me she could elevate my career but instead she SCAMMED me and has been scamming other models and actresses for thousands and thousands of dollars!!!” she wrote. “She scammed me out of $4,300!!!”

She also encouraged victims to share the post and report their experiences with Pressly. “She has been getting away with this for 20+ years and it’s time for her to stop.”

Pressly was also charged with scheming to defraud clients, with the indictment alleging that she “did engage in a scheme constituting a systematic ongoing course of conduct…by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises.”

At present, Muehl said, she is being charged with taking $4,500 from clients without booking them any of the promised promotional appearances.

Muehl said “several” of the clients have already come forward.