Stop resisting. Stop resisting. Stop resisting. Put your hands behind your back. >> Oh, he's he's good now. >> Roll on your stomach. On your stomach now. >> The ride. Uber. >> Uber. The check. I'm so sorry. Um, she came in with a check uh today, trying to negotiate it, but the check is fraud. Scammers are among the lowest of the low. Whether it's preying on the elderly and vulnerable or attempting to pass fraudulent checks, their crimes are anything but victimless. But when the jig is up, it's fulfilling to see the look on their faces when cops catch scammers in the act. >> Hey bud, we're just going to have them sit down in the air conditioner for a minute. Are you sitting in the car? Yeah, I'm in the tank. You're already >> on July 21st, 2023 in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, a deputy noticed a BMW parked beside two U-Haul trucks and two large pieces of machinery. >> You guys live in here? Do you live in here? You do? Okay. Well, property manager said no. Do you have a license on you? Yeah. the problem inside. >> Oh, my mom stays here. >> Still need your license. >> Okay. We got all this equipment that's parked up in here. >> Oh, sorry. >> Yeah. Property manager is not too happy about the equipment being parked here. It's not commercial equipment. It's not supposed to be parked here in a private parking lot. >> The suspects told the officers their names, but initially failed to produce an ID. While speaking with the suspects, a man approached claiming he was there to purchase the machinery for $15,000 in a deal arranged through Facebook. >> I was coming off Facebook to dye a machine, but I just pulled up. You guys are all here. >> Well, we're trying to figure it out, too. There's a lot of stuff going on. He just said they weren't supposed to be here with these machines, and we're trying to figure out if they belong to them. >> Yeah, that's what I'm trying to find out cuz I don't want to buy anything. Not >> Yeah, just hang out. >> All right. So, Y got your wallet or ID? >> I got my wallet. I just woke up. I don't know why we're home. I just woke up. I just got a practice. I just got a workout. >> Whose machines it is? >> Which machine? I just got a workout. >> His machine rental. He do work. >> Morris. >> No, I don't know who machine is, but it work together. You ain't giving me a ride. >> Oh, they're selling them. So, >> oh, >> it was obvious that the suspect, Sky Lewis, was lying. If the man was there to buy the machines, then one of the suspects must have owned them. >> You guys rent these from Home Depot. >> How much this one cost? >> Done how much a day? >> 500. >> 500 a day. >> I might need the red one. >> Well, why would you register them at their one day at the rental one day running? >> That's all I'm saying. I only had these here for >> Yeah. >> Yeah. for um just because at the site I don't have anything to lock them up and they get stolen that's on my name. >> So if I get stolen they're going to charge me for it. >> No for sure. >> No, >> it's just you know apartments like this. >> I thought it was private. So he said my mom said just register it. Leave that in a parking spot which I did. It has a tag on it. She said register >> clear by the management before you do it. So I know cuz they like a HOA here. They got their own set of rules for especially for barking cuz they got tow trucks that come in here and do so much a lot of towing. I'm surprised they say you didn't get towed. >> I did. I didn't think they would get told because they >> they have a lot of problems here with towing. >> It was beginning to look like the makings of a common scam. Rent the equipment, advertise it as for sale on Facebook, then rob the buyer. >> Hey, do you own that? >> Let's go. You've not been here to see. I have >> in your name that there you >> Yeah. >> Are yours you own them or >> I know R. >> Okay. >> Where do you let them? >> Do you rent them out or do you guys run them out? >> What are they here for? >> What are you talking about? They're not standing here. >> Yeah. All work. We all work. have reversed. >> The other suspect, Morris Choice, said he rented out the equipment to do a job. He said the other men he was with were going to help him with the job. However, that's not what they told the officers. >> You're being detained right now, so we're pending his investigation. The stuff that you're saying doesn't quite drive with what we're being told by the other people that are here. >> So, RP? >> No, not right now. We're just conducting an investigation. >> I'm going to explain it to you in a minute. Okay. >> Hey guys, we're we're sorting out some information here. All right. So, stuff's not quite coming back with the numbers on these things right now. >> All right. >> So, we're not going to place you guys handle check. We don't know what your involvement is right now, but yet you're still not free to leave at this point. You understand what I'm saying? So, if I just had you guys have a seat right there on the parking curve, we just chill out for us. We'll get it all sorted out. We'll get you done as soon. >> Thank you. >> What's that? You said something about >> Yeah. When we're running stuff on the on our computersh not driving right, so something we're trying to figure it out. So, he's right now he's being detained. He's not under arrest. So, you guys are not under arrest yet. However, we are conducting an investigation. You're not briefly >> I stole it or anything like that. >> No, no. I believe you guys rented them. All right. But we'll we'll explain it all as soon as we figure it all out. >> You ever you ever like you're working a puzzle and you're like, "This piece fits somewhere, but I just can't find find the place it goes." Right now, you guys are that little piece, man. We're trying to find that one piece, put the whole puzzle together, and you guys will be on your way. All right. >> With Morris in cuffs, the officers kept questioning him. In situations like these, the goal is to get the suspect to trip over their own story. >> Like I said, you've been nothing but cooperative, which is beneficial for you. As long as you're cooperative with us, >> that does nothing but help you. I understand. I'm not going to ask you anything else cuz I still have to figure out what's going on. But because of the situation, >> hear me out. Only thing I can tell you is that I have the truck in my I have not the truck. I have the tools in my name. >> Okay, that's fine. >> That's okay. >> Are these your U-Hauls in your name? >> No, not U-Haul. Just It says just to quit here. >> Who lives? >> I don't know, ma'am. I don't live here. How'd you get here? >> I I got over here. I got over here to uh do >> Were you in this car? >> No. >> But you just you just showed us near. That's what I'm saying. Did you just pop up here? Like I know they met. >> I was I was here to get the to see what job we >> You were already here. But were you here in the trucks? >> I was in here. I was here in one of the trucks waiting on equipment to see what type of job. >> That's what I'm asking. I'm just trying to figure out do you live here or you >> No, I don't. My address is on that on that on that right there. But I >> Morris's story wasn't making any sense. And while they may have been able to answer some questions, they were going to have a hard time explaining why someone showed up to buy rented equipment from them. >> Can you guys do me a favor? Can you both put your hand behind your back? You're not under arrest. You're not >> Oh, now I was trying to get us my ass. >> Just put your hand behind your back, my guy. >> You're not under arrest. Okay. You're just being detained. >> All right. Yeah. >> I thought you was just going to go somewhere. >> No, I was trying. No, I was trying to get us. >> No, I appreciate it. Listen, like I said, you're not under arrest. You're just being detained. All right. >> Appreciate. Anybody have anything sharp on them or any weapons? Nothing. >> No. >> Uh, sir, >> we'll be able to call you whenever you get them. >> Hey. Hey. You don't have no weapons or nothing on you no m >> The suspects were detained and separated while the officers continued their investigation. >> Hey, bud. We're just going to have you sit down in the air conditioner for a minute. All right. Sit in the car. >> Yeah. I'm in the tank. >> You're already truck. No, we're going to put you in the car. That way we can do our job to look at numbers and look at paperwork to talk to people instead of having people out here watching you, making sure you don't run. Now you're in the car, the air conditioning, chilling. All right. All right. Hey, boss. This is what we're going to do right now. All right. Right now, your handcuffs have been detained pending our investigation. Right. >> All right. No problem. >> Nothing's changing as far as your situation other than we're going to make it easier on you. We're going to put you in the back of the car and let you sit in the air conditioning. All right. >> All right. No problem. Detectives are going to come out. They're gonna sort this all out. >> All right. >> And they'll figure it out from there. All right. >> All right. Sit. Stand up for me. >> There we go. We got one in Shaveans, one in Jenkins, and >> Jerome Downing and Sky Lewis were arrested and charged with organized fraud. Morris Choice was charged with grand theft, obtaining property over $50,000 by fraud, possession of oxycodone, and probation violation. On February 25th, 2025, a gold and coin shop called the police after a 77year-old woman purchased $750,000 in gold bullion. When the officers contacted the old woman, she said a government employee was threatening to arrest her family members unless she paid them. >> Police, get down on the ground. Down on the ground now. Police. Down on the ground. Down on the ground. Police. Police. Down on the ground. Down on the ground. Stop resisting. Stop resisting. Stop resisting. Put your hand behind your back. >> He's older. We're good. We're good. We're good. We're good. Now. >> Roll on your stomach. On your stomach. Now, give me your hand. Give me your hand. want in custody. >> The suspect was going to have a lot of explaining to do. Remember, he was there to pick up $750,000 in gold bullion. While officers fanned out and searched the vehicle he arrived in, other officers searched the suspect. How much money do you have? Do you speak English at all? >> Call from Harrison. I'm almost there. Do we have a vehicle description? There it goes. >> Where are these at? Check the ground here. >> The officers had a lot of questions for the suspect, but they weren't getting any answers as he claimed he didn't speak English. >> Let's try to get eyes on that. He was walking back towards you from the house. Walking back >> north from the house. >> Okay. Where did you come from? >> Which way? >> Okay, perfect. >> Here. [Applause] >> All right, we got the Honda Odyssey and one. >> Oh, perfect. I got one more. >> After a thorough search, the suspect was loaded into the back of a squad car. The scammers had their elderly victim place the gold in a box and address it to the Federal Reserve System, Washington DC. I got the key. >> Which house did he come from? Is it this two? It's >> right here. He walked up this way. We watched him cross. He looked around. He >> was talking to her, going on the phone, showing her stuff. And >> I don't think he made her sign any piece of paper or anything, but >> he had a code word pasta. So, as soon as he approached her, he was supposed to give that code word to her. >> She said he gave the Okay. >> Uh, she asked for his name, I think. >> I think she was just startled at the time. So, >> gotcha. >> She forgot what she had to say, >> but she did exactly what she was supposed to. Yep. After running the suspect's ID, officers received confirmation that both scammers were citizens of the Republic of China. >> So, did he walk all the way from back there or did he get dropped off as like the car was >> Yeah. >> Did you hear us on Sec? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, >> I saw it was vans. >> Yeah. >> And then uh obviously drove past here then went all the way down by us and waited and uh when they had pulled up the pickup truck when they pull up in the pickup truck. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Um, you started running this way. You ran right into me and Paul. So, >> yep. All right, cool. I'll pass information along. >> Where they got him stopped at? >> Down here. >> Down the street. The driver of the getaway vehicle was detained and searched. At that moment, the officers had no idea how many people were involved in the scam. But given that $750,000 was at stake, the suspects very well could have been working for a network of scammers. [Music] >> Stop. Hey, stop. Okay. Hey, I think he's been in uh I've seen him in CRS. >> Yeah, I've seen him in CR. So, yeah, I think so. Hey, I'm going to go off camera. I'm going to make a phone call to the daughter. Let her know everything's good. She can come to the house. >> Okay. >> Both suspects were transported to the police station for questioning. However, without a Chinese translator, communication was very difficult. In the meantime, the officer had to rely on their phones to form basic translations. >> Uh, it looks like you are being charged with attempt theft. >> This guy's going to be 53. >> Who's that? >> Juan. >> Is that the other guy? >> Yeah. >> No, he's 51. >> Oh, he's 52. >> Yeah. I just looked up the numbers. >> Gotcha. Can I call my friend and ask him to hire a lawyer for me? Uh, come here. Stand right there. >> You guys good? >> Yep. >> We'll figure it out. >> Do you want to call your family? No. Do you have any phone calls you want to make? >> No phone call. >> The officers could only get so many answers using the basic translation feature on their phones, but given the amount of money involved, and considering it was a joint police FBI investigation, the suspects would eventually have to communicate. That's right. Both suspects were charged with one felony count of attempted theft over $500,000, but less than 1 million. On December 16th, 2024, a 96-year-old woman received a call from a man posing as a bondsman claiming that her son was in jail. The man told her she needed to pay $10,000 to get him out. >> Hi, how are you? >> I can't see. >> Long time no see. >> I know. How are you? >> Good. We have uh this old lady in that office over here. Okay. >> It looks like she gained her access to some scammers. So, I'm just worried to let her go. >> Okay. >> Um they had said her son needs urgently $10,000. >> They called her son. It wasn't him. >> I just don't know what you can do. You know they have my address. >> Okay. So you talked to someone on the phone. >> Yeah. With because we have his whole number here on >> and he said it wasn't him. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> It was nice that the bank staff had the elderly woman's back. She may not have known it was a scam, but the staff certainly knew something was up and sprang into action. >> Hi, ma'am. >> How? >> I'm the woman that that we're scammed it with. >> Oh, I don't know. Were you scammed yet? My name's Jefferson. Uh. Uhhuh. >> My name's Jefferson. >> Oh, hi, Jefferson. >> So, I just had a couple questions for you. >> Go right ahead, >> dude. Has she taken any money out? All right. So, no money's been taken out. Good. So, good first step. >> They want They said they only want cash. >> Okay. >> So, I said, "Well, I don't have that cash in the house. I have to go to the bank." >> Yep. >> Well, all right. Now, call us when you get back from the bank. >> Okay. >> So, I never got back from the bank. On the way, >> what's your address? on the right my address and I gave it to them. >> Okay. >> But then on the way up I'm saying to myself, my son wouldn't call and ask for $10,000 like that. I have to have it today. >> You were smart, right? >> Pauline said the scammer told her to tell the bank the money was for shopping or home repairs. She didn't have a cell phone, so the scammer called her through landline. Because of this, the officer accompanied Pauline to her house. >> Hello. I'm okay. How are you? >> Okay, I'm waiting for my ride. >> You waiting for your ride to go to the bank? >> Yes. >> Take to the bank. >> The ride. Uber. Uber. >> Okay. Okay, bye. >> The officer had her call the scammer, telling him she had the money. The next step was to set up a meeting point so the officers could catch him red-handed. >> Remember, I am not here. public office. How may I help you? >> Hi, this is uh Pauline. I have the cash. >> Hey Pauline, that you're home. >> Yes, I'm home, but it took a while to get it from the bank. You know, they don't give it to you easily. >> Okay. Just give me a second. You want to hang up? Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. You have a pen and paper so you can wait for the information below. >> Okay. Go ahead. I got the pencil and paper. >> The scammer instructed Pauline to wrap the cash in a paper towel. Put it in a shoe box and tape it shut. On the box, he instructed her to write her name along with the words fail to be released and to be refunded and place it in a bag. Okay, now it's in the supermarket bags. >> Okay, bear with me. Okay, let me call my secretary. You see, I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> No, I'm hanging on the line. >> He's keeping her on the phone, so I had to step away. Um, supposedly he's making a call to his supervisor for a career. So, just so you know. And then I got to shut the phone back or shut the radio back off. >> I'm all alone. I'll I'll wait for the call. >> Byebye. >> Pauline, I got to go cuz we got to >> You did great. Next, the scammer sent an Uber to her home to pick up the package and deliver it to him in the parking lot of a shopping center. >> Show me. Turn around. Don't do that. Hey Anything behind you, man? >> Any weapons? >> The suspect, Carlos, was placed in custody. The police located his vehicle and found his girlfriend, Maria, inside. >> Been in trouble before? >> No. Okay, we want to keep it that way, right? >> I don't Well, well, Carlos is involved in something. >> Um, but what I can tell you is he's probably just a courier here to fix something up, take it someplace. That's more what I'm interested in. Okay. Um, so, you know, he didn't just come here to go to CVS. He came here, I'm sure, you know, we have his cell phone. I'm sure he's tracking something on his cell phone. Knows when somebody's showing up because he walked right over to him. Okay. So, the the lost babe in the woods routine might not work. Um, you know, so I'll ask you again. What are you guys doing here? >> Maria stuck to her story, saying she had no idea Carlos was at the shopping mall to pick up $10,000. She said she assumed he was there to pick up an Instacart order. As you >> and whose car is it? >> Okay. And what's all this stuff in the wall box? Hold on. Looks like you got a thousands and thousands of dollars at >> Oh my god. >> See what he's doing. >> Well, and ma'am, I mean, not for nothing, the the keys to access the glove box, the key >> to go. She's got to go, too. >> There's thousands of dollars in the glove box. >> Ma'am, the keys to access the glove box were in your side, and you're sitting directly in front of it as well. So I mean I I insist you talk to the trooper with anything you want to provide. Okay. >> Okay. What can I have? Did you just speak? Oh yeah, we got like >> I want to make a right. >> A little more. >> The officers put the pressure on Maria. They knew she knew more than she was letting on. How long? Now, as I look around, Maria, I see a camera there. >> He's not around here. >> There's a camera there. Okay. And they're all capturing the parking lot. So, we'll know exactly space over there. >> Listen to me. >> What we're going to see when we look at these cameras, >> what are we Well, I'll ask you. What are we going to see when we go pull this video footage at the registry, at the uh whatever's grand opening it is there? What we're gonna see is you guys coming in and parking and meeting people. Meeting people. Meeting people. >> No meeting people because I'm not meeting anyone. >> But he is fair to say. >> And I like I said I did once and I saw that money and I I wasn't into it. But I don't know how to do it. How can I go help? >> Where were you sitting in the car? >> Maria admitted to seeing the money in the glove box, but claimed she had no idea where it came from. How many people did he meet up with while you guys were here? How many >> did that once with us? >> Just one. >> That's the only one that >> Where's that money going? Where does Carlos take? >> I swear by I can't I I know. I know. I know you're I know what he's trying to do. I know what I don't know. I >> You don't know what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to keep you out of trouble is what I'm trying to do. And you want to find out who did that thing for him to. But I don't know. I swear if I would tell you, I would tell you cuz I have, like I said, I have two kids. I'm not I don't like anything. I don't. And he knows it. You go ask him. I was I'm not into this. Look what he brought me. And I >> And I know I'm not It's not going to be easy. I got two kids. I know it's not going to be easy for me. and >> we're going to take your risks, okay? We'll talk by at the station. Um, we refuse the fallen, but those distance, you're just not telling me yet. You're not telling me anything to be honest. >> That's what I told I know anything like if he was going those things back. >> Carlos and Maria were charged with conspiracy and lararseny of over $1,200. On June 20th, 2024, police officers received a call from a 78-year-old man who claimed he was the victim of a scam and lost a lot of money. >> Um, so you're calling in about a fraud. >> Yes. >> Uh, so what's what's going on? Well, I got >> last week I got a call from still Amazon telling me that somebody was trying to purchase stuff using my identification. So, they called to verify it. I said, "No, that's not me. I don't know anything about it." And they said, "Well, this sounds like fraud." and they connected me supposedly with >> I'm guessing some kind of a bureau or something Washington. >> The caller said he was then connected to a social security agent who told them that his bank accounts were compromised and that he needed to send them gold to protect them. >> So you're you're telling you're telling me that you gave someone two kilos of gold? >> Yes. >> What carrot? I'm sorry. >> What carat gold? 24 karat. >> 99.9% pure. >> Okay. >> The key they're boss actual boss. >> Yeah. >> No, they're they're about playing court size, I guess. And you you gave them on beh um of an investigator and to someone in a car that pulled up into your place. >> Yeah, that's that's >> Yeah, I'm going to I'm going to Sir, I'm going to tell you it doesn't it doesn't sound like a fraud. It 100% is a fraud. >> The man said that the gold ingots cost $154,000. He said he had a card with the agent's name and badge number. Unfortunately, they were all fake. Yeah, sir. Those aren't those aren't real warrants. >> I don't even have to look it up. I I'm telling you, you don't have any warrants for your arrest. >> Well, I'm only going by what I see. Kick yourself a thousand words. >> Are you there? >> Yes, sir. >> Are you you you're coming here? I'll show you what I got. >> Well, I mean, yes, sir. I'll I'll be there in a minute, sir. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Wow. >> There was no doubt that it was a devastating amount of money to lose. However, the police managed to set up a trap using a bait package to lure the scammer out of the shadows. The police made their move and pulled him over. >> You're doing 20 mph in a 25s speed zone. You had like a whole line of people behind you. >> No, sir. >> Is there some reason why you're driving so slow? >> Where you going, dude? >> Sir, I confused because I I I find hotel. >> You find what? >> Hotel. >> Hotel? >> Yes. >> Where are you supposed to go? Where are you going? >> Near hotel. >> A hotel. >> What hotel? >> Holiday. the holiday in. Yeah. Where at? >> What address? >> Yeah, here. >> Who do you do? Do you work for somebody? >> No, just stay and because I am so tired. >> What? >> Why? >> I'm so tired. >> You're tired? Okay. What are you doing? >> What? >> What are you doing? >> Work. >> Who do you work for? >> Chicago. >> Chicago. >> What? You just picked up a bag. >> What? You just picked up a bag from somebody. >> Yes. >> Where are you taking it? >> 14 of the battle. >> Where? >> What? >> My friends. >> Your Who's your friend? >> One friends. >> Who? Who is your friend? >> Shut your car off. >> The man was visibly nervous. Sometimes at a loss for words. He handed over his ID while officers continued to question him on the side of the road. What's the issue? Do you have any kind of medical issues? Do you need water? You just >> because uh my cell is so >> You have a headache? >> Yes. I I cannot see because >> you need an ambulance. >> What? >> You need an ambulance. >> Ryan, start fire, please. >> Are you okay, Mr. Patel? My I cannot see. I I see black, black, black, black. >> Okay, we're going to call an ambulance for you. >> The suspect almost collapsed, prompting the officers to sit him down on the grass. Although he claimed it was due to the heat, it was more likely that he was faking it or feeling anxious that he was in trouble. >> So, you're you're from Chicago? Yes. >> And you're just here visiting right now? >> Yes. >> Whose car is this? >> I a rental. >> You It's a rental. >> When did you come to Florida? Uh uh two day ago. >> Two days ago. >> Yes. >> And what? For what purpose? >> Because my brother is here. >> Oh, >> his name Patel. >> Okay. But same last name. Patel. >> Yes. >> He lives here in Stewart. >> In he lives in um Miami. >> Miami. So what are you doing in Stewart right now? >> What? >> What are you doing here right now in Martin County? I uh I go in nearby hotels and stay for >> my good health. That's why >> because I am so tired. Uh I I came for Miami >> to drive this and >> uh in morning I go beach. >> You went to the beach this morning? >> Yes. Visit for beach and then now I go nearby order. >> The suspect said he was going to get some sleep at a hotel before driving back to Miami and heading home to Chicago. So today, right now, you just got a package, a gift. >> Yes. >> Who? From who? Who is that? >> Uh, my relative. >> Who? >> My relative. >> Your relative. That was your relative? >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. Um, and where are you taking the package? Just back with you to Miami or Chicago or something? >> Miami. >> Okay. So, so the gift is for you? >> Yes. Oh, >> okay. Have you seen that guy? Who is who how is it your relative? >> What >> how is he your relative? >> My father related. >> Your father's related to him. >> When was the last time you saw him? >> Last time uh when I meet >> when was that? Was that like a month ago? >> No. >> No. When was it? >> Uh uh >> two months ago. A year ago. >> Three four months. >> Three or four months ago. You you saw him? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> What' you say? >> He gives you he gives you a gold bar, right? A gold >> box, >> right? That has gold in it. >> Yes. Yes. >> What do you do with the gold? >> I I because my sister marriage. >> Uh-huh. >> Then I go I I when I I go India. >> Oh, you went to India with it? >> Because my sister marriage in January. >> Your sister's getting married? >> Yes. >> So, you're taking the gold with you to India? >> Yes. >> Okay. Is that what you did three or four months ago? >> Yes. In January. >> In January, you did that. >> Okay. Um, >> the officers had heard enough and decided it was time to take the suspect to the station for processing. >> Hop on up, Mr. Patel. >> All right. >> Here, let me take this. I'll hold it for you. Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Go ahead and put your hands behind your back. >> It's okay. >> I got them. >> We're going to take you back to the office. Okay. We're being placed under arrest right now, but we're going to take you back to the office. Oh, >> what? >> Okay, you can take your water. >> But why? >> Because the guy's not your relative. >> Can I say one thing? >> One one man told me that that's why I can do this. >> Huh? >> One man told me. >> One man. What are you talking about? One man what? One man told me, uh, you pick this and you drop in my dead. >> A man told you that? >> Yes. >> Who? What man? >> I had this. >> The suspect was charged with firstdegree grand theft, two counts, and organized fraud, $50,000 or more. On September 9th, 2021 in Georgia, an elderly couple contacted police after receiving a suspicious call from scammers who wanted to collect $12,000 from them. The police quickly set up a sting operation to catch the scammers when they came to collect the money. >> Your car is coming back to the intersection toward the house. He's going to be coming right up on you. >> Get out of the car. Stop. [Music] Get your hands up. Show me your hands. >> Do y'all have the guy in custody? >> Taking them now. [Music] >> Put your hands behind your back. Put your hands behind your back. 1095. >> We're 1095. >> The officers cuffed the suspect, stood him up, and searched him. When they asked why he ran from law enforcement, he said that he saw someone point a gun and got spooked. >> No, when you had first pulled up in front of me, >> I don't think that was a gun. I didn't know. >> Not yet. >> Radio clear. I had seen a gun. I'm so sorry. >> No, I seen a seen a gun. Blue light. >> No, I seen a gun. >> Before I even pulled that gun out before I even got out of the car, my blue lights were on. >> Why you up here? >> Huh? >> I got low. I was turning back to the city. Place right there. >> Radio 27 out of New York. >> Oh, right there. Now, >> let me check the car real quick. Please step in. >> As the suspect was placed in the back of a cruiser, the officers received a radio confirmation that a second suspect had been apprehended at the victim's house. >> You go. Anything on you that's going to hurt poker stick me? >> We going to the office? >> Huh? No. ID. Oh, this is definitely going >> that's getting seized because that's all probably from the last the last hit they got last week. >> Four. I gota find >> the He's got cash on him. >> How much you know? >> Not much. >> Has to be over a thousand more, >> man. I don't think so. >> With both suspects secured, the officers search their vehicle. Sting operations like this are highly successful when pulled off with accuracy. >> You know what started all this? So last week I worked a day of overtime. >> They popped they popped an older lady for 18 grand. >> And I called Smith. When I heard that I was like, "Bro, call C on that one. That's major fraud." I called him. >> He's like, "You you think they'll come out?" I'm like, "Yes, >> I showed up too." >> So then when I heard this one come out and I was like, "Hey Van, call C." Because if they haven't shown up already, I'm like, >> we were going to We thought they weren't ever going to show up. This all started. Well, they see the thing is is somebody already fell for it once, so they're getting greedy. >> We're going to charge them with two counts of it's going to be fraud and then we're also going to hit them with >> I'm taking fleeing and eluding. >> So, that's my charge. >> Yeah, we're we got the fraud and we're going to hit them with We're going to look look back again, but whatever we can charge them with >> as far as the elderly goes. >> How old are these folks? They're old, >> are they? >> She turned 79 this month. >> That just made everything worth it, though. >> Oh, yeah. >> That's What time did we start this at? 11. >> 11:41. >> Cuz we got set up at 12:15. >> Yeah, we were an hour ahead of you guys. >> It was his idea. >> Now, >> he deserves an award. >> During their search, the officers located a room key card from the Hyatt Hotel, prompting them to send a unit there. Hop on out. >> Off. >> Hop on out. Right back here. Right back here. You ever been to Hall County before? >> No. So far. >> You ever been to jail before at all? No. All right. >> Do I get a lawyer? >> Yeah. >> So, why am I going to jail? >> Right now, you're going to jail for fleeing and looting, but the investigators have gotten involved. They're going to take the charges. Honestly, I got scared. You got what? >> Black. So, all I seen is a black car. >> I thought I seen a gun or chasing whatever it was. All I seen was something pull out pointing towards me. I ain't know. >> Okay. You didn't you didn't drop that guy off though. >> Huh? >> So, fleeing and looting? >> Uh, like fleeing from the police. >> No, but like what does that consider? That's a >> some kind of fraud. >> The suspect was trying to play dumb. He claimed he fled from the officers because they failed to identify themselves and acted like he had no idea about any scam. >> I don't understand like >> like what what are y'all doing here in my neighborhood? >> A huh? >> Really? >> Really? What? You just ripped it out of my book? >> I did. >> Excuse me, >> man. You are foul. >> He is. He's foul. >> What's up? What's up? >> You are foul. >> 104. >> 104. We're out at the jail. Stand on those two yellow pads right there. >> You want me to bring mine in too? >> They're codefendants. I don't see why not, but they just can't be housed together. >> Hold on. Give me a second. Let me get this one out. >> Who is it? Grab your mask on your way out. All right. >> When you enter the room, take a left, face the wall. See those yellow footprints right there? Don't say a word to each other. >> The driver was charged with fleeing, reckless driving, obstruction, and exploitation of an elderly person. The passenger was charged with exploitation of an elderly person. Both suspects were sentenced to 10 years with the first 6 months in incarceration and the rest on probation. On March 26th, 2024, a woman filed a false police report claiming that one of her vehicles had been stolen. When officers questioned her about the details, she became elusive. >> So, this person, I don't even know. Like all I know is my car was tooken and I flew behind my car, but somebody had the police flew right behind my car. >> You didn't not not any point did you flag me down. Did you walk up the car? >> Did you walk up to my car and say, "Hey, it's stolen." Were you going? >> At no point did you signal me at the stop sign. At no point did you call 911 to say, "Who's that guy?" I said, >> "Yeah, cuz at that point I was scared. I was like, I I'm >> so >> And then when you guys put what they >> when you guys had came out my door, I was just scared because other people get targeted for other people's stuff. So I was just scared for my life period because I didn't have no idea what was going on, who was who, none of that. So I was just like, >> "Watch your baby." >> The officer suspected that the woman knew who the thief was, but she told him she had no idea. Next, the officer asked her to put her statement in writing and asked her to raise her hand and swear that the statement was truthful to the best of her knowledge. >> Word for word, uh, she says it's in the garage. I was near my grandma's house and someone stole my vehicle. I seen the cops chase him and I didn't see anybody, so I pulled away in my vehicle, signed and sworn, and I'm body. >> Miss um, Miss Love Queen, do you want to pursue charges against the person who started your vehicle? >> Yes, >> you do. Okay. >> Would you be willing to put that down on the statement? >> Let me see. >> Uh I'm not that. >> Oh, it's right here. >> Well, I put I want to pursue charges. >> Yep. I would like to pursue charges on, you know, the person who stole my vehicle. And can you just describe your car? You know, >> um >> you know the tag number by any chance? >> Not by heart. >> Not by heart. Okay. Oh, and you swear and affirm to that's that you wanted. >> Yes. >> As she claimed, the thief abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot. So, she was able to retrieve it and bring it home. Next, the officer asked to see it to search the interior and dusted for fingerprints. >> So, where were you at when your car got stolen last night? >> 227 Southfield. That's my grandmother's house. She um currently got out of server. So I fell over there and then I caught my other thick and my light broke. My light appearance broke and then I left my car keys in the car. So when I seen my car leave the the the place I followed the car and then I seen nobody car and I seen he he ran off and left. So I was screaming but the pop was gone and it wasn't everybody was gone. So at that point I was just kept crying. I got my car and I didn't know and that was just it. And then I see by now it's my it look like you you better seen cuz I was up there. I look through my window and I seen it like I'm not sure but I was scared my dog like I was afraid of everything. >> I got it. So your car got stolen and then you see the police so your car got bail out and run. You get your car back. You come back here. At no point you think it would be important to car. Once again, the officers warned the woman that if she was lying, she would be charged with perjury and falsifying a police report. However, she stuck to her story. >> So, >> realize how it sounds a little weird to us, right? >> No, I'm just saying. What if >> you don't really cars get stolen? They call police right away. >> Well, y'all was already here. >> We worried everybody got stolen. >> They were behind the car and the dudes got out the car and then the police stopped chasing the guards. So, >> okay. So, but when your car got stolen, you didn't think it was important to call us. >> Y'all weren't at scene. >> Right away? >> Yes. Y'all had seen right away. Y'all had got behind the person cuz my car was already behind the person. So, whoever had spoke my car, I was already on their tail. And right before I even get on the phone, the police seen the guy just flushing in front of them. And that's when they stopped the car, the dude jumped out my car. And when they jumped out my car, they the the cops was already on the dude. So at that point I I was afraid for my life. I was like, "Oh." I was like, "Oh, I hope I don't think I got anything to do with this." And that's when I got in my car. I was just scared for my life. That was it. I I don't know the law like that. I was just I seen a lot of my friends go down dumb stuff like a lot of stuff happened to my wife, >> innocent people. And I just know I was innocent and I was afraid for my life. That was that was it in every aspect. Like I just didn't know what to do >> cuz even if even if she's the victim of stolen of the stolen vehicle, right, and then she wants to pursue charges, but when her vehicle gets recovered by the police, >> doesn't call the cops, >> she takes the vehicle and leaves, that's still evidence of the signal 10. >> Yes. >> So it's still it's still tampering with evidence even if it was legitimately stolen. >> Yep. And she if she's legitimately a victim. >> Yeah. She altered and removed the evidence from the Yeah. >> Yeah. She never flagged me down. She never attempted to get my attention in regards to this. >> I think we should do that and obviously make sure your dash cameras tag. >> Although the officers told her numerous times that she was at risk of being charged with perjury and falsifying a police report, the woman seemed to have no understanding of the seriousness of the situation. >> So at this point right now in our investigation, right, we're determining that we do have charges. We have felony charges to be pressed on. >> Oh, me? behind your Yeah. for fally campering with evidence. >> I don't have no evidence. >> Well, the evidence is the car from the car. >> Take the car. I don't care. >> Yeah. So, at this point, you're going to be under arrest. Okay. Just put your hands on your back. >> Oh, that's fine. Let me give you my phone here. >> That car. >> Give it to him. >> I'll put your hands in front of your back. I'll put your hands in front of you. >> Put your hands I'll put your hands in front of you. >> Oh, thank you. >> I'm not trying to be mean or anything. >> No, you're fine. I don't have no evidence. The woman was cuffed and placed in the back of a cruiser where she was searched and read her rights. And although she had remained cordial up until that point, after she became tangled in her web of lies, she reverted to playing the victim. >> Okay, close the door. I'm done. >> Okay, but what am I getting? >> Nope. Close the door. >> But what we don't want to talk, so I can't talk to you, so close the door. >> What? What is we talking about? I'm scared for my life and y'all locking me up. >> You are going to jail >> because I'm pissed >> for tampering with physical evidence. >> What physical evidence? Since y'all got my card, >> the We didn't have it last night >> because I'm scared for my life. >> I don't believe it. >> I put that on. How you don't believe that? >> Cuz I just won't believe I'm black and y'all target black communities. >> Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. >> Like, what the are you serious? >> He's black. >> It has nothing to do with your color. It has everything to do with the fact that >> y'all sit in black communities all day in the car. >> Y'all ready to lock me up cuz I'm black and y'all couldn't find a guy from last night that what the hell? Hold on. What the that got to do with the >> You're about to catch another charge. No, you you just did. >> I just did. I didn't even do nothing but fall out the car. Lie in the car. >> You're about to catch an escape charge, which is another felony. Get in the car. Get in the car. >> You already see what I'm talking about with this. >> Get in the car. >> Crazy, bro. >> Mad up if you don't stop. >> I have You don't know damn y'all have to do a y'all mad cuz y'all catch a black boy in my car. >> We're going to catch him and then he's going to tell us >> that that he didn't that he didn't steal that car and then we're going to charge you with following false police report. >> I think your handcuffs in front. I'm going to jail in the house, bro. >> All right. Well, not after you did that. Cuz I was trying to be nice to you the whole time. >> I'm innocent, bro. I'm scared as for my life and y'all locked me up cuz I'm >> uh You You haven't been convicted of any felonies right now. >> No, that's why I'm scared for my life. Like, who the I'm still scared. I'm going to jail for being scared for my life. Are you crazy? >> The The jail will um The jail will give you your bond when you go there. Okay. [Music] >> Yeah, sure. Um, it's going to be for tampering with the the vehicle that was allegedly stolen. >> Okay. >> Right. After after after the traffic stop. You know what I mean? >> Okay. But I was scared. >> I and I understand that. But nonetheless, it's still tampering. >> The woman was charged with resisting an officer without violence, tampering with evidence, and filing a false crime report. On August 7th, 2024, officers were dispatched to a bank after a teller called 911 to report that a woman was attempting to cash a fake check. >> Is there somewhere we could talk or >> Yeah. Come off. >> Let's just Let's take the um the >> Thank you. >> Sorry. You have your ID on your mail? >> I do. >> I don't. I just explained to her I don't cash that came to me by my billing address. It was a company that I used to work for during the like before the pandemic hit. So, you know, I even reached out to the bank myself. The woman said she received and disregarded a similar check months back, but when the second check appeared in the mail, she assumed it was legitimate. She said it came in a marked envelope with a return address. >> Did she try to cash it or >> cash? >> She came in to try to cash it. >> Okay. She's saying she just came in here to try to verify its validity. >> No, she asked to verify the check. I asked she spoke to her. >> She told her that she'll verify it. What's her intentions to give the check? She was she wanted to cash it with us. I we asked her where you know checking from if but I'm mistaken she said that she'd been waiting for it. >> She's co her >> and that magically just now her and I know >> she then said that and then I was asking some questions. I'm like >> did this amount match what they owed you? Just questions like that. And she's like well you know I made about this much. I didn't really think about to add it up and stuff like that cuz that's a lot of money. >> Yeah. and um so her story was just not really making sense. >> The suspect attempted to position herself as a victim. Then shockingly, she said she was in a hurry and asked if she could take the charges and go. >> I'm all for like if I can get the own manager's phone number. You can probably call them. They can verify whatever you guys need. So we we would have to get our own number through our own >> but is trying to help make the process a little bit faster. >> It's only helping you, not me. >> But I'm saying like in general it'll help the situation if you get the phone number. >> If we got a phone number, not from you. >> An officer spoke to a representative from the company whose name was on the check. The officer asked them if they wish to press charges against the suspect. >> If they do want to press charges, do I like email them a statement later? >> Yeah, you can just email them a statement. Just say, "Hey, fill this out." Just someone to say yes, they want to do it or something now. Enough to make the arrest. >> So, question. Where do we go next? Uh, >> I think a detective is coming out to talk to you. >> But I don't cash fake checks. Like pants down like I came and broke down the check and I said, "Hey, I got this in the mail. This is what it was." And there was the lady, she came and said, "How did you want to what do you want to do with the check?" She asked me, I said, "Cash it if you can." Like, you know, it was no, "Okay, I'm here to cash a check type" type thing. The company the woman was trying to scam confirmed they wished to press charges. Furthermore, after checking their records, they said the suspect had never worked for them. >> Last month, I got a check by mail from a company that I used to work for. >> Um, >> last month. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What was the name of the company? >> It was um I don't even remember the name. I just know it was a call center, but they had closed down >> when the pandemic hit. >> Okay. But >> how long did you work there? >> A year. >> A year. >> 6 months to a year before the pandemic came around. >> Okay. >> So, >> and you don't remember the name of the company? >> I'm sorry. It's just I I worked so many jobs after that just trying to stay up with >> bills and everything. Um >> Okay. So, let's talk about the check. What's the deal with the check? You said you got it in the mail. I got it in the mail just like everybody else that reached out to me on social media. >> Well, one girl called me through social media and she was like um >> just bragging about the check >> pretty much. She I guess she didn't have my direct phone number anymore. >> So she called me through social media >> and she was like I don't know who well the company they sent us they sent me a check. >> The suspect literally had an excuse for everything. The officer confronted her with all of the inconsistencies in her story. And although she continued to play dumb, her texting habit soon caught his attention. >> Michael, >> who who are you talking to on the phone? >> Nobody. >> No, Michael. I just text him. I said, "Hey, the company that you said that we used to work for, they sent the check." >> And I said, they said that the check >> Can I see what you wrote, Michael? >> Not a problem. He said, "Didn't you cash the check?" I said no. Cuz he asked me if I cashed the check. When I got it, I said no because I was so busy working. What? Whatever. >> What number is this? >> That's the WhatsApp number. That's how I communicate with him. >> Is this the person who >> works with the company? Well, >> is this the person who sent you the check? >> Yes, we both used to work with the company. >> Okay. >> And he got the same check that I got. I was like, and I just told him, I said, >> "Can I see it?" >> Either the suspect was a victim of a scam, or more likely, she was a willing partner in a fraud. >> So, I'm literally telling you the truth. I have nothing to do with any fraud. >> So, this guy gave you a check to cover your expenses that you don't even know who this is. It can be anybody saying anybody's name. >> Michael, me and used to work together at the cost. >> Okay. Um, all right. >> I don't have nothing to lie about. All I want to worry about now is like now I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable. I just want to go home to my kids cuz like now I'm starting to be my age. >> Well, unfortunately, you're not going to go on to your kids right now, >> right? >> Okay. Because you just tried to cash off her job. >> I didn't try to cash anything. I literally came here and asked the lady. You didn't even go get her. I asked her to verify. >> And then you told me to check in from this country. >> Yes. And you're telling me the text from this guy that has some overseas phone number that you're saying is Michael that you've never seen this person? >> I've seen him before. We used to work. >> How do you know that's Michael? That's texting me on WhatsApp. >> The suspect's story was changing with every follow-up question. Although she initially said they were just colleagues, now she claimed she and Michael had a closer relationship. >> So in the beginning, me and him had a relationship. >> Okay. >> Like you clearly see >> a relationship over text? No, we was really in a relationship. >> Like you guys would see each other in real life. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Then he moved, you know, over there where he's at now. >> Where is that? >> In Connecticut. Overseas. >> Okay. Overseas in Connecticut. >> That's where he said he moved to Connecticut. >> Okay. >> Um, personally, I was like, "Okay, we can try to make this work." >> Mhm. >> Then I thought, I was like, "How I don't want to do a long How long have you guys been trying this long-distance relationship thing? >> The officers could barely contain their laughter when she said her overseas partner was in Connecticut. Tired of hearing her convoluted timeline of events, they asked her to call the man so they could hear his side of the story. >> Hello. >> Yeah, I can hear you. Um, question. Now talk to him about the check. >> Honey, the the check that you sent me for my expenses since you voted the check. Um they're saying that it's not a legit check at the bank. >> What? >> They're saying that it's not a legit check at the bank. >> Okay. I see it. >> No, honey. What I'm saying is this. Say nothing. >> I'm telling the truth, though. Like, I never had anything to do with [ __ ] >> You guys don't even have to arrest me. >> Okay. Okay. So, if you bring anything into the jail, drugs, knives, guns, like that smoke. >> Okay. >> Just my car key. >> Do you have anything tucked into your bra or anything like that? >> I'm not We're not going to check. So, it's kind of on you if you have >> to jail. All right, >> I have nothing. They're just my wallet. >> The suspect was charged with grand theft, uttering a forge check, defrauding a financial institution, and fraudulent use of personal identification information. People who enrich themselves off the backs of others are disgusting. Instead of spending all their time concocting schemes, they should put that effort into getting a job like everyone else. But when people choose to take other people's money rather than earning their own, we see firsthand what happens when cops catch scammers in the act.