SurroGenesis Scams Women Wanting Children

MODESTO (CBS13) - A picture of Tonya Collins shows her with a baby on her lap while busy at work, but the woman, who made so many promises to women desperately wanting a baby, is now in federal custody.

Collins faces a list of charges including wire, mail and bank fraud. She is accused of taking millions from her clients, who went to SurroGenesis, a surrogate and egg donor agency.

Investigators discovered other alleged victims, many who Collins allegedly steered to Michael Charles Independent Financial Holding Group, a separate trust firm that would hold their money.

However, it turns out a federal investigation says the company wasn't so trustworthy. It was actually run by Collins and clients allegedly had no idea they were handing their money to her.

The indictment shows thousands of dollars deposited into the account that Collins would use for cars, homes, jewelry, clothing and vacations.

She originally ran the company out of Modesto; until she caught wind the FBI was investigating SurroGenesis. So, she moved to Texas, where she continued to run her business.