Accused ‘sweetheart swindler' claims woman gave him money to buy a business

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The man accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a woman who he claimed to be in love with, told a Gwinnett County judge that police have it all wrong.

John Martin Hill was charged with theft by deception.

RELATED: Alleged sweetheart swindler to appear in Georgia court

Police said he convinced an Alpharetta woman to hand over more than $80,000 so they could buy a house together. But police said he took off with the cash.

During Tuesday's hearing, Hill claimed the money was actually for a business she was buying from him.

RELATED: Police: Sweetheart swindler arrested in Tennessee

Gwinnett County Police said there are more victims out there.

Investigators said Hill has pulled similar scams all over the country -- from New Jersey to Maryland to Louisiana.

RELATED: Alleged sweetheart swindler to appear in Georgia court