Serialously with Annie Elise - Episode 288: "Online Dating Scam Ends With Two Bodies Floating in the River | The Case of Laura Kowal"

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Annie Elise
Produced by: 10 to LIFE & Audioboom Studios

Introduction to the Case

Annie Elise opens the episode by setting the stage for a gripping true-crime story that intertwines online dating scams with a tragic disappearance and subsequent death. She emphasizes the complexity of the case, which involves elements of scamming, catfishing, betrayal, and murder, highlighting the escalating threat of online fraud in recent years.

Background of Laura Kowal

Kelly Gao introduces the central figure, Laura Kowal, a 57-year-old retired healthcare executive from Chicago, Illinois. Three years after the death of her husband from cancer in 2015, Laura decides to seek companionship again through online dating to overcome her loneliness.

Quote:
Laura Kowal [00:58]: "Effy was just laying on the couch when I got here."

Laura moves to Galena, Illinois, a picturesque small town, seeking a peaceful life away from the hustle of Chicago. Despite her efforts to rebuild her life, Laura still feels the absence of a meaningful connection, prompting her to join Match.com in 2018.

The Online Relationship with Frank Poor

Laura quickly connects with a seemingly ideal match named Frank Poor on Match.com. Frank presents himself as a successful, widowed European businessman with dual citizenship in the U.S. and Sweden. Their relationship intensifies rapidly, with Laura and Frank professing love within just 12 days of matching.

Quote:
Kelly Gao [09:25]: "She was almost giddy about him. His name was Frank and he was from the Iowa City area, which was a connection to my mom."

Despite Laura frequently traveling and rarely visiting Galena, Kelly notices the absence of Frank in their community and red flags in his elusive behavior.

Discovery of Financial Irregularities

In August 2020, Kelly receives a suspicious voicemail from a federal agent claiming that someone close to her is involved in a fraud scheme. Upon contacting her mother, Laura, she senses something is amiss. Laura mysteriously disappears, leaving no trace.

Quote:
Laura Kowal [04:34]: "I'm calling in regards to your mother."

Kelly begins investigating by accessing her mother's laptop, uncovering over $1.5 million in wire transfers to Frank's company, Goose Investments.

Quote:
Kelly Gao: "I saw a lot of receipts. This wasn't just regular spending; it was wire transfers sending money to Goose Investments, AKA Frank's Company. The total? $1.5 million."

Police Investigation and Arrests

The authorities identify Frank Poor as a central figure in a larger scamming operation. Frank is revealed to be a façade for multiple individuals, including Jennifer Goscha, an Iraq war veteran working for the post office, and accomplices Samuel and Anthony. These individuals orchestrate sophisticated romance scams, laundering money through various fake businesses and bank accounts.

Kelly discovers a cryptic note from her mother indicating she was aware of the danger:

Quote:
Kelly Gao: "You were right in your judgment of me. I've been living a double life this past year. It has left me broke and broken. Yes, it involves Frank..."

As the investigation unfolds, Samuel pleads guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, receiving a 10-year sentence, while Jennifer Goscha initially rejects a plea deal but later admits to her crimes, resulting in probation and house arrest. Anthony, however, takes his case to trial and is sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty on 14 counts.

The Mysterious Disappearance and Death of Laura Kowal

Laura's car is found on a boat ramp in a remote Illinois town, over three and a half hours from her residence in Galena. The authorities rule her death as drowning, suggesting suicide due to the absence of evidence indicating foul play.

Quote:
Laura Kowal [23:59]: "I arrived to my mom's house early that afternoon and opened the door, came into the house, and everything seemed normal."

However, Kelly remains unconvinced. She discovers a second body purportedly found alongside Laura's, reported by the couple Gary and Kathy. This discovery introduces ambiguity into the case:

Quote:
Kelly Gao [50:44]: "On a scale of 1 to 10, how sure are you that what you saw was two different bodies? 12."

The police, unable to locate the first body, maintain their stance on suicide, but Kelly suspects foul play, questioning the plausibility of Laura intentionally driving to a random location to end her life without any prior indication or arrangements for her dog, Effie.

Continuing the Investigation

Undeterred, Kelly contacts the elusive Frank Poor one last time, sending an email from her mother's account which prompts a response. However, this individual remains untraceable, leaving more questions than answers.

Quote:
Kelly Gao: "Frank responded. This Frank guy actually responded, or whoever the hell was pretending to be Frank responded. But since then, she has never been able to get a hold of him."

Kelly's relentless pursuit for truth leads her to collaborate with other investigators and seek public assistance in unraveling the complexities of her mother's case.

Legal Outcomes and Current Status

While Samuel and Anthony are incarcerated for their roles in the scam, Jennifer Goscha receives probation and house arrest. Laura Kowal's death remains officially ruled as drowning, but Kelly continues to advocate for a deeper investigation, suspecting that her mother may have been a victim of a more sinister plot linked to the broader scam network.

Conclusion and Warnings

Annie Elise concludes the episode by underscoring the dangers of online dating and the sophistication of modern scams. She urges listeners to trust their instincts and remain vigilant against potential fraudsters who exploit loneliness and trust.

Quote:
Annie Elise: "If something feels wrong, it probably is. Your gut is there to protect you from these predators."

She also highlights Kelly's ongoing efforts to seek justice and awareness, praising her determination and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the perils lurking in online interactions and the devastating impact of financial scams on unsuspecting victims and their families. Through Laura Kowal's tragic story, listeners are educated on the importance of caution, the signs of scamming, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the aftermath of deception.

Note: This summary excludes interspersed advertisements and promotional segments to focus solely on the core content of the episode.