Oily con man gets 4 years

A MAN WHO posed as an oil tycoon online to trick romantic interests out of their money was sentenced Thursday to nearly four years in federal lockup.

Six victims, speaking in Manhattan Federal Court, described the emotional and financial damage John Edward Taylor, 47, did to their lives. Prosecutors said at least two victims had suicidal thoughts.

“John preyed on women like myself, who were emotionally vulnerable,” said one woman. “He’s a liar ... a manipulator.”

Another woman said, “I have been dealing with severe depression, high anxiety and emotional stress. I still have nightmares about you convincing me to leave my job and boyfriend at the time and to start a business with you.

“It took over a year to resolve all of the problems you caused. I woke up every morning not wanting to live anymore.”

A teary Taylor apologized to his victims and said, “I was a liar.”

The feds said the ripoff Romeo “trolled dating websites to find unsuspecting women” for his scam.

Taylor got hit with a 46-month sentence after copping in September to one count each of wire fraud and conducting threatening interstate communications. Manhattan Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain also ordered that Taylor pay more than $290,000 in restitution.