Two Arrested in Grandparent Scam

On 5/19/22 the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a theft by deception.  The victim, an 88-year-old Des Moines County resident, reported being contacted by an individual posing as his granddaughter.  The victim reported that the subject informed him that she was in jail and needed bond money.  The victim sent $8000.00 in a package to an address in Port St. Lucie, Florida the same day.  Des Moines County Deputies contacted the Port St Lucie Police Department and informed them of the suspected theft.

On 5/20/22 Port St Lucie Police Officers were able to intercept the package sent by the victim and retrieve all $8000.00 that was sent.  Port St Lucie Officers then repacked and delivered the package as scheduled in an attempt to identify the suspects.

Detectives with the Port St Lucie Police Department surveilled the residence where the package was sent and observed a vehicle drive up and subjects took the now empty package from the residence.  Port St Lucie Detectives performed a traffic stop and identified Jenny Richard (driver, 26 YOA) and Jordan Dor (passenger, 25 YOA) as the occupants of the vehicle.  Dor was identified as the subject who approached the residence and took the package.  The package was located at Dor’s feet during the traffic stop.

Through this investigation Port St Lucie Detectives developed charges for Dor and Richard, who were both arrested and charged with Larceny – Grand Theft (More than 5K but less than 10K) per Florida code.  Richard and Dor were taken to the St Lucie County Jail on a $5000.00 bond each.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens that scammers can be extremely assertive and persuasive, and to follow these tips to prevent from becoming the victim of a phone scam:

 

  • Don’t send or wire money to anyone you have not met before
  • Don’t give out personal or financial information over the phone
  • Contact a trusted family member who can confirm or deny if the caller’s story is legitimate
  • Ask the caller questions that would be difficult for them to answer
  • Contact law enforcement immediately with any concerns and we will investigate further