Nouel Alba, NY woman, accused of posing as Sandy Hook victim's relative, scamming donors

(CBS) HARTFORD, Conn, - A New York woman was arrested Thursday after being accused of trying to swindle donors by posing as a relative of one of the children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, reports CBS New York.

Nouel Alba, 37, was charged with lying to FBI agents.

Pictures: Conn. elementary school shooting

Federal authorities allege that, just hours after the shooting rampage, Alba used her Facebook and PayPal accounts along with telephone calls and text messages to seek donations for what she called a "funeral fund."

Prosecutors said Alba identified herself as the aunt of Noah Pozner, who was gunned down in the school shooting, the station reports.

"We've set up a funeral fund for my brother and families. Anyone willing to make a donation can make one," prosecutors said Alba wrote before giving instructions about how to donate through PayPal or direct deposit.

Alba allegedly spoke with a donor over the phone, and claimed to have visited Sandy Hook Elementary School to identify her "nephew" for law enforcement. She also allegedly claimed to have been at the high school when President Obama visited, the station reports.

Alba is even accused of sending elaborate text messages to another donor who fell for the scam.

"Ima mess. Not looking forward to see that casket cause that is what will kill us all today. 11 gun shot in his little body....," the texts allegedly read.

Authorities said Alba denied seeking the donations when FBI agents investigating charity scams related to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown contacted her.

The FBI said four days after the Sandy Hook tragedy, all of the money was refunded to the scammed donors via PayPal. However, Alba denies opening that account and even said someone hacked into her Facebook page.

Neighbors also said they were shocked by the allegations, saying there was no indication Alba needed money or that she would pull off such a scam.

"She's a nice person, she's a very nice person -- takes care of her kids. She goes to work," neighbor Evelyn Montanez told CBS New York.

Another neighbor who spoke with 1010 WINS said she doesn't believe the charges.

"She said earlier that somebody stole her identity. So maybe it was that person," that neighbor said. "She loves her children to death and if she would lose any of them, she wouldn't take advantage of other people."

However, federal authorities said they tracked the IP addresses used in the alleged scam and they come back to Alba.

"It is unconscionable to think that the families of the victims in Newtown, and a sympathetic community looking to provide them some sort of financial support and comfort, have become the targets of criminals," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Mertz.

Alba was released on $50,000 bond. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and a potential $250,000 fine.

The FBI is still investigating Alba and other charges could still come, reports CBS New York. The U.S. Attorney in Connecticut is also investigating other possible scams associated with the Sandy Hook tragedy.

Anyone with any information about Newtown-related fundraising schemes is asked to call the FBI at (203) 777-6311.