Though Shelly is presently known as the mastermind of one of the most complicated and confusing catfishing stories ever heard, there are other interesting aspects of her life that have not been uncovered. Sit back and relax as we take you through a jolly ride of a genius of fake online connections who ended up getting a real one.
Astonishing Facts about Shelly Chartier
1. She Grew up Taking Care of Her Sick Mother
The Ghost of Easterville was born and bred in Chemawawin Cree Nation in Canada. She lived a very quiet and isolated life while growing up in a home she shares with 5 family members including her invalid bedridden mother Dilia.
2. The Ghost of Easterville did Not Have Contact With the Outside World for 11 Years
Unimaginable right? Well, this was the case for Shelly Chartier who said she was bullied at school and dropped out at age 12. According to Shelly, she resolved to learn online and did not leave her house for 11 years.
An article in Harvard Health Publishing indicates that cutting off from social contact such as in Shelly’s case could be a problem. This could cause dementia, heart attack, stroke, depression, or anxiety.
3. Shelly Acquired Only a 6th Grade Education
Following her cutting off from school and social life, Shelly was able to only acquire a 6th-grade education. She was however described by many people as someone that is very witty and intelligent.
4. How did She get in between Paris Dunn and Chris Andersen?
The major reason Shelly is in the spotlight today is that she was able to successfully deceive Chris Andersen into going down with a minor and prospective model.
The long story all began when Paris Dunn, a then 17-year-old aspiring model posted a simple ‘Hey Call me on the then 33-year-old NBA player’s Facebook wall.
So Where is Shelly Chartier in all of These?
This is how she came in. Chartier saw Paris’ message to Chris since it was a public post. She immediately managed to get both their phone numbers and later opened fake Facebook and email accounts which she used to impersonate Chis and Paris.
She first sent a friend request to Paris pretending to be Chris and she did the same to Chris, pretending to be Paris. Paris and Chris never directly communicated with each other and all of their messages were going through Shelly.
This means that when Paris thought she was sending a message to Chris, it went to Shelly and vice versa. In many cases, Shelly was only copy-pasting the messages, but in some cases, she would change a couple of things.
Chartier went on to create another fake account of ‘Tom Talor’ who posed as a fictional friend to Chris. Actually, there is a Tom Taylor in real life who is an expert video gamer but never a friend of Chris.
She used this fake Tom Taylor account to arrange a meeting for the real Chris and Paris in Denver. This worked out and Chris had sexual relations with Paris when they eventually met. They however admitted that their conversation was not adding up at some points.
Chris and Paris’ relationship continued online after their encounter but eventually died off. Paris however later began to annoyingly message the fake Chris Andersen account. Shelly claimed that got angry and used the fake Tom Taylor account, threatening to release the nude pictures Paris had sent to the NBA star. Paris became scared and had to inform her mother and the police.
5. Shelly Chartier Nearly Ruined Chris Andersen’s NBA Career
As expected, Andersen automatically went into trouble because the nude photos that his ‘friend’ Tom Taylor was threatening to release are considered child pornography. Meanwhile, he was not aware of the fake social media accounts created by Shelly.
The authorities contacted Chris and this became a huge blow for him and his career. Police stormed his home and collected his electronic devices in search of possible clues and evidence.
More to this, he was being called very nasty things by fans on social media and he lost out on lots of money and endorsement deals.
However, the NBA star was later told by the Colorado police in September 2013 that he is not a suspect but only a victim of what they call an ‘elaborate catfishing scheme.’ The NBA star got a shot back at his career again, moving on to play for Miami Heat, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Cavaliers.
SEE ALSO: Joseph Toney: Shaquille O’Neal’s Father Abandoned Him As An Infant- 10 Facts
6. She was Arrested in 2013
After an in-depth investigation, it was discovered that even though Pais and Chirs’ meeting was initiated through a fake social media profile, Paris actually lied to Chris and gave him the impression that she was an adult, meaning she lied about her age. This exonerated Anderson from all charges.
Shelly was however tracked and arrested on the 15th of January 2013. She pleaded guilty to impersonation and extortion. She was later sentenced to 18 months in prison and served a year of the sentence including fifty days in solitary confinement. She was also asked to stay away from the internet.
Similarly, the authorities have said that Shelly actually sent the blackmail letter Chris received supposedly from Paris’ mother asking for a payoff. Shelly however claimed she never asked Chris for money.
The catfish was remorseful for her actions. However, she blamed Paris and Chris for falling for the scam. According to her, most of her victims would ask to see or talk to the person they are meeting. Paris and Chris however chose not to do so, making them walk directly into the hook of the catfish.
7. She Met Her Husband Online Despite Being Warned to Stay off the Internet
Even though the police told Shelly to stay offline during the period of her arrest, she did not do so. She rather went back online and was remarkably able to find love. While playing the Call of Duty video game she met Rob Marku, a furniture mover living in Brooklyn New York.
Soon, the master of fake connections was lucky to get a real one. Shelly and Rob began dating and got married in the kitchen at Shelly’s place on the 25th of December 2014. Shelly said she wore Pyjamas on her wedding day and her husband Rob is the only good thing in her life now. Rob received several warnings against going to Canada but he refused to listen.
8. Does She have Other Victims?
Yes. According to reports, she has tormented at least 11 victims over 3 years. She was said to have made numerous Facebook pages and was impersonating a youtube comedian; Joe Santagato, a playboy playmate Jacqlyn and Brody Jenner, Caitlyn Jenner’s son.
9. Her Story has Inspired Many T.V Shows and Documentaries
Chartier’s catfish story has provoked many screen productions. First, it was featured on the T.V show Catfish; An American reality T. V documentary series airing on MTV about the truths and lies of online dating. It also inspired an episode tagged ‘Intent’ in the Law and Order; Special Victims Unit. Furthermore, a 2017 CBS documentary was also aired in regard to Chartier’s catfish saga.
10. Where is the ‘The Ghost of Easterville’ now?
She has been released from prison in Canada and is reunited with her husband Rob. However, as of 2020, she was serving 2-year court probation. One of the conditions is that she will not use the internet without court-ordered supervision.
Even though the catfish has been released in her home country, Colorado issued a warrant for her arrest. If she eventually gets extradited and convicted, she could face 24 years in prison in the U.S.
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