COVINGTON -- A palm reader and self-proclaimed psychic has been put on probation for a year for trying to scam a Slidell business owner out of $5,000 in July 2004.

Lecia Urich, of Kenner, who pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempted theft of more than $500, had told the woman that a ritual during which money was buried would help lift a deadly curse.

Urich, who goes by the name "Sister Jackson," also was fined $250 by State District Judge Reginal Badeau.

Authorities said the Slidell woman was not the only victim.

Kenner police said Urich told four customers that their enemies had put curses on them and offered to dispel the hexes for a total of $7,100, which she said she would bury in a church or cemetery.

In one of those cases, she allegedly told a man in January 2004 he would lose his job, wife and family unless he gave her his $3,500 savings.

Jefferson Parish court records show Urich pleaded guilty March 8 to two counts of theft of more than $300. She was given a suspended sentence of two years in prison and put on probation for two years, according to records.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)