Melanie Jade Scott, also known as Taylah Jade Hamilton, is charged with fraud and extortion

A Queensland woman could spend decades behind bars if convicted of defrauding almost $1m over about three months. DETAILS.

Melanie Jade Scott, also known as Taylah Jade Hamilton, is charged with fraud totalling $919,500 between July 14 and October 21, 2020 in Mackay and extortion at Curamine Beach in September 2020.

A woman could face up to 20 years jail if convicted over defrauding almost $1m.

Melanie Jade Scott is charged with fraud – dishonestly obtain property to the value of at least $100,000.

It is alleged she stole a sum of money from a man totalling $919,500 between July 14 and October 21, 2020 in Mackay.

Ms Scott is also charged with extortion – demand with intent to gain benefit with threat of detriment against the same man.

Police alleged it occurred on September 19, 2020 at Kurrimine Beach, in the Cassowary Coast region south of Cairns.

The maximum penalty for extortion is 14 years jail, while the maximum penalty for fraud where the value is at least $100,000 is 20 years.

Matters against Ms Scott, who also goes by the name of Taylah Jade Hamilton, were mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Solicitor Marcus Hahn, of McKay’s Solicitors, appeared as town agent for a South Australian-based firm Iles Selly Lawyers.

The court heard the matter was likely to be listed for a “probable registry committal”.

Because of the nature of the charges they must be dealt with in the district court.

Mr Hahn said he was instructed to ask for a three-week adjournment as it was “a sizable brief” and the solicitor on record was in the process of reviewing it and obtaining instructions from his client.

Matters were adjourned to August.

Originally published as Melanie Jade Scott, also known as Taylah Jade Hamilton, is charged with fraud and extortion