LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- Lakewood police are looking for a woman who allegedly stole nearly $140,000 from clients, claiming she was a "witch doctor" who could cleanse their money, said Lt. Heidi Hoffman of the Lakewood Police Department.

The woman, known as Señora Monica, scammed people all over the Puget Sound area into handing over large sums of cash so she could bless the money and cleanse it of evil, Hoffman said.

She said Monica would often give the money back to the clients, asking for payment for the cleansing.

Investigators believe she established clientele, mostly Spanish speaking, before stockpiling a large amount of money and then disappearing.

Monica and her husband had a business on South Tacoma Way in Lakewood called "Centro de Consultas Espirituales" selling spiritual guidance along with religious items, incense, candles and talents, Hoffman said.

On Tuesday, KIRO 7 reporter Kevin McCarty went by the store and found it closed and locked. A woman who owns a hair salon next door said Monica would tell clients they would die if their money was not cleansed of evil spirits. She said people have been coming by the store looking for Monica and their money.

Hoffman said most victims heard of Monica through commercials on Spanish language radio stations. Jose Diaz with La Gran D radio in Auburn said she ran ads on the station recently. Diaz said he found out about the theft allegations when he was contacted by investigators.

Police are trying to track down information on Monica and her husband through business licenses, but so far have no idea where the couple may have gone with the cash.

The two may be traveling in a white Suburban with California plates.