I booked myself a room. >> You know what I mean by put it like you pray and it's easier when you when you raise. Like you pray and raise. >> Okay. >> And behind you like this. >> Can you hear me? >> Yeah, I can hear you too. >> Okay, I'm being arrested >> What for? >> for stealing jewelry. >> OMG, oh my gosh. >> Every scammer thinks that they've covered every angle. Their stories are rehearsed, they have convincing confidence, and as far as their lies go, they're pretty much air-tight. But all it takes is one sharp question from an intelligent officer for the whole thing to fall apart. And we see it all unfold when no-nonsense cops instantly shut down the schemes of these scammers. >> The full payment was 6,000? >> Yes. >> So, why did he transfer more than that to you? >> I don't know. How do you do that? >> On the 30th of August, 2024, the cops are dispatched to a credit union bank after reportedly, a man there was trying to conduct fraudulent transactions. When the officers got there, the man had no idea that the bank had already begun to investigate his modus operandi. >> Is this stolen money? >> Okay, uh can I tell you confidentially that our office with Mr. Hill, Mr. Hill [music] is the recipient of um imposter funds? >> Okay. >> So, we have another member that is at the dial location right now providing imposter call. Um Mr. Hill is sitting on about $17,000 of that money from his account to the money laundering >> From someone else's account? >> Correct. Left her account, went into his account, now he is keeping that money. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. And he's in our office? >> He's yeah. >> Okay. >> Another cop arrived on scene, and the manager took them both to surprise the suspect, Marcus Hill. [music] It was clear from the man's reaction that he was completely blindsided by the cops' presence. And from there on out, things were only going to get more uncomfortable for him. >> I'll be here in about the funds that came in. >> Yeah, what about >> Okay. >> You can sit down. You can have a seat. Yeah, yeah, have a seat, bro. Yeah, don't worry. Yeah, what was on you? >> Not at all. >> Here, I'm just going to pat you down, all right? Go ahead and stand up for >> So, I'm going to sit down. >> Yeah. Make sure you don't have a weapon on >> I don't have a weapon on me. >> All right, you can take a seat. We're just trying to figure out what's going on today. >> I'm trying to figure out too. >> Yeah, so there's money that's been transferred into your account. Where did that money come from? >> I have one transaction that was supposed to came in from a Barbara Williams. >> And how do you know this Williams? >> Uh through her son. I do work for them. >> You did work for her son? >> Yeah. So, what's the problem? >> So, Miss Barbara is saying that that money is that is stolen funds from her account and was transferred into your >> I don't know nothing about that. Uh uh >> The manager explained that the victim, Barbara, was at another of their branches filling out paperwork in real time, saying she didn't approve any of the transactions involving Marcus. In the meantime, Marcus handed over his ID to the cops and they tried to get to the bottom of things. >> So, you you did work for her son? >> Yeah, for a dude named Neil. And uh Williams and Neil. And he was supposed to pay me and he got my information. And before he transferred money to my account, again he got my information, did it again. I mean, did it And I just came to make a withdrawal. >> But is that person you're saying that person is her son? >> That's what I was told. >> And if you just tell us >> That's what I was told. He was like, "Oh, I'm getting the money from my mom and I'll send it to you. And that's how that went. >> What was the guy's >> William Neil. >> William Neil? >> Yeah. >> And William Neil is supposed to be Ms. Barbara's son. >> Son. >> And >> Can you get me his account number and PIN number for ID number? So, what am I supposed to do? >> I have no idea. We're We're here to help you figure that out. >> Basically, Marcus claimed that he did a job for Barbara's son, who he said was named William. He told the cops that once the job was finished, he was paid by William, and according to him, if there had been a fraud committed, it had nothing to do with him. >> What did you do for him? >> Yeah. >> I build roller coasters and homes, and I also on my side work I do a lot of remodeling for her. I did paint. For him, I did painting, and I put in some windows. >> Painting and windows, and how much was like I guess the job supposed to be? >> It was supposed to be like a $6,000 job. >> Okay, $6,000 together? >> Uh yeah. >> $6,000 >> Cuz he still owe me money. >> Okay. >> Where do you live now? >> Uh I stay right here in Pine Hills. >> So, it was just it was a the full payment was $6,000? >> Yes. >> So, why did he transfer more than that to you? >> I don't know. How do you do that? >> Well, the account has received more than $6,000. >> I was only get I only I deal with the only $6,000. And that's it. >> Yeah, you've taken out more than $6,000. And that money all comes from the same place. >> To get to the bottom of things, the officers then moved Marcus to a different room. Something wasn't right here, and whoever was to blame for it, the cops were going to find out. To shed some light on things, the manager got the cops in touch with the risk management department and put them on speaker with a rep. >> Hey, you got police officers here from OPD. Just kind of wanted to know what we got. >> Hello, good afternoon. Um my name is Jennifer. I'm in here with Melissa from the ADP and risk management. So, what we're dealing with is one of our members received an imposter phone call. The person said that they were from the Police Federal Credit Union. They obtained her login credentials and logged into her online banking and did three transfers totaling $19,000. Those transfers were account-to-account transfers, so the funds went into um this account for Marcus Hill. Marcus then utilized the funds by Apple Cash, ATM withdrawals, and withdrawals in the branch. >> It was beginning to look like this was not an accidental deposit. An elderly woman had been scammed out of 19 grand, which was a whole lot more than the $6,000 that Marcus had claimed. The cops were trying to build their case, and they were going to need more information. >> Okay. Has he made all of her transactions today, or has it has it been longer than just today? >> [clears throat] >> Um all three transfers, I believe, were done Um one second. >> So, the 19K transfers could be longer than one day. >> So, 2,500 left on the 20th. He did a thousand to Cash App Charles Logan. Um [music] then there was another 5,750 from his barber's account. Um >> The transfers were made on the 27th, the 28th, and the 29th. >> Okay. >> And we spoke with the victim, Barbara. She has a son, but his her son's His is David Michael Williams. >> Okay. >> And Mr. Marcus Hill just mentioned his son's name of William Neil, which is incorrect. >> Okay. So, we're kind of thinking that someone was defrauded out of their money from their account and it was transferred over. >> Yes, Barbara was defrauded and we believe Marcus Hill to be the suspect. >> According to the risk management rep, they had a written statement from Barbara and they'd send it on over. And with that, it was time to confront Marcus again. >> Don't first. >> Yeah, Mr. Hill. We're getting ready to leave. What's um I have your phone here as well as the as well as the watch that we are taking for now as evidence. Do you want to provide me with the case with the uh pin codes? >> Taking my phone for evidence for what? >> Yes. >> [music] >> Of The whole reason that we're here today. >> [snorts] >> Yeah, we're we're going to get try to get your phone back as quick as we can to you, but the longer if we don't have a pass code or anything like that, then they got to sit there and run codes on it and you know, it takes it takes longer. So, this is the easiest way to do it. >> Can I use the bathroom? I's coming down. I You know, what I'm saying? I've been here about 25 I've had to use the bathroom before I came in. Like, I'm so serious, sir. >> They don't have a bathroom here for you. >> Oh my god. Now, I hate to do it, but I'm going to have to use the bathroom. >> All right, we're going to we got to go outside. Come on, man. >> I'm so I'm sorry. >> [snorts] >> Don't touch my stuff. >> Oh, my [ __ ] was fine. >> How far is the bathroom over there? >> When we get there, you can use the bathroom. >> How far is there? >> Uh 30 ft. >> Okay. >> I don't know. I'm not familiar. >> I'm going to jail. >> Yes. Turn around. Watch your leg. >> Let's go outside. >> They charged the man with defrauding a financial institution, [music] grand theft in the third degree over $10,000, scheme to defraud, and exploitation of a person who's elderly or disabled involving more than $10,000. He entered into a plea agreement and was sentenced to 90 days in the Orange County jail with credit for time served. In addition, he was given supervised probation for 3 years and had to make payments monthly for restitution and court costs. On December 21st, 2025 in South Florida, the cops got a fraud complaint from Walmart's loss prevention team regarding a scam related to unlimited coupons. According to loss prevention, they captured the entire thing on surveillance and the suspect was using a coupon code that applied a $10 discount to every item they scanned at the self-checkout. >> 72 events, $13,000. Huh? >> So, 72 events, $13,000. >> The 72 of it keeping. >> Not everybody's keeping up with you. So, tell me what's going on with this uh coupon situation that you guys have. >> It's just a It's a coupon. >> Right. >> I'm buying. >> Uh-huh. How are you guys using that coupon? >> You just You just use that at the register. >> Uh-huh. You scan it on your phone, right? >> Yeah. >> So, tell me what are you doing after you buy the the merchandise with the coupon? >> No, I keep them. >> You resell You keep the merchandise? >> Yeah. >> Uh-huh. So, you don't go to another store and refund the merchandise for full price, right? Come on. Don't lie to me. >> What do you mean? >> So, you come to the store here, you buy the merchandise >> resell on Amazon and stuff like that. That's how I get my stuff. >> Okay. >> And I don't Google Play. You resell You like $8, $9 on a merch on a It's a $60 >> Then you go to another store and you refund it for the full price. >> I I usually resell my stuff, but I don't know what you're talking about. I usually resell. >> Talking about you >> Uh security is watching his number real quick. He's not on on duty detective. >> Who's all of us though? We need >> Essentially, the suspect was using coupon codes and buying merchandise at heavily discounted prices, then reselling the items or taking them back to other stores for full price refunds. But, according to loss prevention, that wasn't the whole story, and they had further evidence that linked the man to a much larger fraud operation. >> That's your friend right here. >> I don't know him. >> Right? That's your friend right there. >> I'm not BSing. I want you to tell me the truth, cuz it's like I don't I don't know what's the point. >> Can I see him? >> I'm BSing you. >> You're not BSing me. >> I'm BSing you. You stole You know that. >> people. So, what's the deal with this? You have guys have a uh a chat where you guys send each other the coupon articles and so on? >> online. Like, you can get You get your I get You get discounts for cheaper. That's all I'm getting. And I resell on Amazon. >> Yeah, but you're not submitting the coupon to the register. >> It'll It'll prompt me to do that, though. >> It does? >> I didn't know that. I literally It's a digital coupon online that I can get, and then I I get my stuff for cheaper. It's a coupon. That's how it works. I didn't know you have to I didn't know you have to have a physical coupon. I'm going to do that book. >> Essentially, the suspect, Christopher Alfred, was trying to deny the whole thing, saying he had no idea that he'd done anything wrong. But, the thing was, no scammer ever would admit to their crime immediately, so the cop here just couldn't take his word for it. >> I was just paying with my coupon. I didn't know I was doing anything crazy, bro. That's all I was doing. That's all. Nobody ever stopped me. Nobody told me I was doing anything wrong. Nobody told me I was doing anything wrong. I'm literally paying a discount price. >> Yeah, that's the thing. That's why nobody's been able to catch you. >> Right. >> For how long? >> Get me the phone. >> Cuz they don't notice it till now. >> But, I've been doing it I've been doing it for You guys for a while. Since you guys started doing it with the gift cards. >> Gift cards? >> You and your other Well, mostly your other friend was the one that started >> no. I've never done a gift card. I've never done a gift card, bro. >> Yeah, your other friend is the one that started with the gift cards. You know that. >> This one. >> Can I see? >> No. >> Yeah, he's in here, though. >> This one. >> You said he did a gift card. I don't know him. You came in with him. What are you talking about? You probably literally came in with him. When was this? Okay. I swear bro, I'm You think I'm lying? I don't know him, bro. You talking about gift cards. I never did a gift card in here. I don't We talking about gift cards. >> He could act ignorant all he wanted, but loss prevention had plenty of evidence that he was fully aware of what he'd done. It was clear to them that he was part of a much larger scam operation and had been ripping them off for thousands of dollars. That's you with your friend. With your other friend. You're going to tell me you're not doing it? >> I know him. I think he probably did it. >> That's you with the gift cards. And then you told me you don't do gift cards. That's you with the barcode on the phone. >> When was this though? That was probably a minute ago, bro. >> All right, it was a little minute ago, but it's still going. Just because they couldn't cash you doesn't mean that you didn't do it. >> You know, this is what it is. >> All right. Real quick. >> That's what they say, but it's true. I don't know. I don't know. I probably had a thing of speed ticket out of here a little minute ago. So, yeah. >> Customer comes in and try to return multiple energy asset batteries that were brought in a different store and were purchased using a coupon that they scanned multiple times in the self-checkout. Customer service associate denied the return. But, you're still trying to do it. That's you right there. >> You said I tried to return what? >> The batteries that you bought with the coupons. I said I know everything that you guys are doing. >> Mhm. >> You said I tried to return batteries and you denied it. >> You tried to return batteries bought in another store with the coupons. >> So, did I did I get to do a return or no? >> In this scenario, no. I'll go back and I'll find you on what you did. >> No, of course. All I did was All I'm doing is getting a coupon There's a coupon There's a coupon here. >> is causing a loss to Walmart. >> know nothing about coupons. I didn't know it was coupons. I didn't know that. >> They even had video surveillance of him trying to return the discounted goods at other stores. He could deny it all he wanted, but the evidence was clear. By that point, the cops had heard enough and there was only one thing left to do. >> I lost my signal for a minute. Do you have any weapons? Put it like you're praying. It's easier on your on your [music] wrist. Like you're praying. >> Like I'm praying? >> And then behind you. Like this. Yeah, it's easier on your wrist. >> So, I can walk out the door right now? >> Fraud, my brother. >> You said fraud? >> Fraud. Fraud. Fraud. Fraud. >> Fraud though, for 20 fraud? >> Don't worry about it. We'll talk about it. Deal. >> Deal? >> Yeah. Yeah. You got a receipt for this? >> Yes, I do. >> All right. Can y'all do the return for this one for y'all mind? >> All right. Yep. >> Y'all got Can I get one of the bags so I can just put this in if you don't mind? >> Yeah. >> Bring it to customer service and have them do a refund for >> If y'all got anybody else in the store, let me know so I can get them to, all right? >> Yeah. We'll see if we can spot them right quick. >> I'm going to follow this guy in here. >> I'm going to follow >> Even as they arrested the man, he continued playing dumb. But they caught him red-handed, plain and simple. And back at the police station, they were using the evidence they collected against him to build their case. >> I'm going to take a picture of you. >> And you're going to take them and you're not going to scan social media. >> You think I'm going to scan on social media? >> You're not going to scan on social For the records. >> What do you Why I got to take a picture though? I'm in Walmart. >> You're a officer, man. You can walk out. >> It's their protocol. >> Walmart? >> Walmart protocol. >> You're a officer of the law. >> Walmart protocol. >> You got to tell them, my brother. >> I work for them. >> This is not This is not >> Right now, he's my boss. I'm I'm a vendor. >> Regardless of whether I take this picture or not, I have pictures of you all the time. So, you can >> Cuz I need a better picture. For what? >> I just want a better picture. >> Brother before honor. >> I don't need it. You don't have to take a picture of me, bro. >> I'm going to get one from the cameras anyway. >> Then use that one. Show me one that's clean and not blurry. >> Officer 39. It's Walmart, so you I'm going to get the picture no matter what. >> I love that. Right now I'm denying your picture, bro. >> Good for you. >> You know I can sue them, man. That's a cool palm, bro. That's literally online. I'm telling you because you you a brother to me, bro. >> I didn't think I had anything to do with them. You can do it. >> Christopher Alford was charged with organized fraud under $20,000. On the 20th of May, 2025, the cops were dispatched to a shopping mall after allegedly there was a fraud investigation regarding the lottery involving stolen credit cards and gift cards. >> Yeah, they're by the Thai place. They're hugging right now. >> I took a deep in there. I don't see anything. No lottery tickets or cigarettes. Perfect. >> He said they they $25,000 worth of lottery and cigarette yesterday with odds reading off cards. They bought the numbers online from a receiver. >> We don't have the authority to take them in the custody right now. >> in Lansing and OCS. MSP is going to have to make that arrangement before we put our hands on him. >> We're not taking him cuz we're not doing the processing the property for this guy. If he wants them, tell him he can come down to here to our substation at GLC that we're not going to take him in the custody and take him to the jail. >> Initially, the cops were hesitant to make an arrest as they had limited information on the suspects and their involvement in the crime. However, as the officers talked about it, they spotted the suspects and decided to approach them. >> Police. Hold on. Hey. Hold on a second. I'll talk to you. Let me tell you about that. >> What happened, sir? >> Let me tell you about that. Drop the bag. Drop the bag. You going to detain me right now? You want to stay here. Hold on. >> I don't feel comfortable with you guys. >> It's okay. >> Here, watch your step. Yep. Listen, do you kind of what's going what's going on? All right. Yep, there's a investigation ongoing with MSP right now. >> We're going to call this guy and get a warrant. >> Yeah. >> The cops detained the suspects and took them out to a parking lot where they were led to a squad car. At that point, the cops searched them and they were placed in the back and taken down to the station to be questioned further. >> We're going to take your phone. All right here, you ready? 1 2 9 10 1,000 10 2,000 >> I had money in here. >> 20 30 40 50 60 70 100 3,000 You want you good back in your pocket? >> Yeah, he said something about >> to our substation. >> And I'll be able to get a phone call there? >> I just give me a call to the boss. I'm not a boss. I got both his phones [music] out here. We're going to just put this in your bag, too. >> What do you want You know what? Let's put it in here to make it safe. >> All right. >> How does that work? How does it work out here? >> I'm a local police officer. >> You're dealing with the state police. So >> So I just got >> Yeah, you got to talk to them, man. They're going to come pick you up. They'll explain everything. >> Let me ask you another question. >> What's up? >> Is this an armed robbery? >> No. You've been cool. What's up, man? How bad is it? Anything over $1,000 felony. >> Oh, man. >> You You've been in trouble before, man? >> Who, me? >> Yeah. You've been Have you been in trouble for this ever before? >> Uh I've been in trouble plenty of times, my brother. >> Yeah, but unfortunately in this county things step things up and enhance charge if you have previous charge to get They In this county be enhanced. >> No, I've never been here before. >> You got warrants or anything, man? >> [music] >> Out of Out of state. >> Cuz it'll pop up. So >> Uh I don't mean no. I ain't got no warrants in here. >> As things turned out, it was not the suspect's first rodeo. He seemed concerned about it and he wanted as much information as possible as he had a pending warrant from another state. >> It's going to be state police. I'll let you know. It's going to be dependent on where you're going to be lodged. >> This guy is not going to run. >> Hell, no. [laughter] >> You want to have a seat? >> Don't leave yet. She's sitting on the trunk. >> Please don't pull off. >> Yeah, we don't need her. >> I'll catch you. >> Please don't let me get in the damn car. >> Do you understand your rights? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Man, why is that fake? That's so fake. That's the probably the worst fake ID I have ever seen. >> That's not even my ID in real life. That's not even my ID. >> Well, I know because it's fake. >> It is not mine. That's not even me. >> Well, bro, this is >> That's not even me. >> This is probably the worst fake ID. >> It was my That's not even me. >> This is not even my ID. >> What's this one? >> That's what I do with my ID. >> What is this thing? >> I don't >> I don't know this. Bro, listen, okay? I'll be honest with you, okay? With you being out of state, too, but you got a lot to lose here. >> Oh, yeah, I do. >> Right. So, I'm not trying to pull >> I don't know. >> Okay, but >> They're going to help me out. >> Yeah, she is. >> I'll give you a chance to help yourself, but like I said, if if you if you want to screw on it, we'll just call it a day. >> Charge you, okay? >> Down at the police station, the cops were interrogating a third suspect who apparently had the worst fake ID imaginable. For the moment, he could hide his identity, but sooner or later, the cops here were going to find out who they were dealing with. >> Possession of this alone in Michigan is a charge. >> Okay. >> Okay? So, listen, I'm not trying to be the petty police here and charge you up for some something minor, but like what's what's the deal? What's going on, man? >> I don't know. All my All my Those are all my stuff. >> Okay, are these legit cards? >> Yes, those are my legit cards. >> We're going to check your bank account. >> I don't know. I don't know. >> Because >> Okay, I'm going to scan them and all the numbers are going to match? >> Yeah, that's not a real bank card. >> Okay, and when I run them through Capital One, they're going to say they're legit up to your bank account, and it's your or name. >> Yes. >> Okay. What about this one here? >> That's DoorDash. >> Who is this? >> That's That's my baby mom's. >> Who is the attorney? >> That's Brandon Wallace. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I don't know. >> What do you do for work? >> Car wash and detailing. >> Okay. When's the last time you did a detail? >> I did a detail like last month. >> Whose phone is this? >> That is our phone. >> Who found this? >> Yeah. >> As for the third suspect, he also had a lot of cash on him. And considering the fact that he washed cars for a living, the cop had questions about just where he got it. But as for the suspect, he refused to say anything. And instead, he was asking for a lawyer. >> I'm I'm willing to talk, but I don't know how to explain cash and all that. >> All All I'm saying is like do you have like like do you can you show me proof of like your car washes or your details or like >> Um I can't show you that right now, but >> Okay, that's you. How do you book your appointments? >> Um >> Like online? >> No, not word of mouth. It's called on the phone. No, I don't understand. I'm on the phone. You know what I'm saying? >> Okay. I'm a count this in front of you, all right? >> Yeah, no problem. >> Any credit cards you can pay that? You got everything off >> He's got in the bags there's like gift cards like that and phones. >> So Matt got a skimmer off of a guy. So >> All right. So is this all shopping from here? >> Yeah. >> By that point, the cops had also found a card skimmer and a large quantity of phones on the suspects. While they knew they were caught red-handed, they still had an excuse for everything. Some people just never learn. >> Which phone is yours? >> The black big one on top. >> This one? >> No. >> This one? >> The one right there, yeah. >> All right. Whose phones are these? >> Um everybody else got a phone. You see the pictures and you can tell. >> Which phones are yours? >> That one. >> This one? >> This one. >> This one? >> This one. >> All right. >> This one? Whose is that? All right. I saw this phone. This is definitely hers. Whose phone is this? So, whose phone is this? >> Uh where is you got a phone? That's the one you got off of me? This the one you got off of me? >> No, you had three on you. Okay. >> This is all prop cash that was just given to us. >> Do you have a a marker for we found on the floor? >> Yeah. Yeah, [music] we have a Do you have a Do you have a marker for cash? >> Yeah. >> We I think we do. >> The cops were concerned about the large amount of cash they'd found and they had a pretty good hunch that it wasn't from honest work. They wanted to know more about the scam and how it operated, but getting answers out of these people was like pulling teeth. >> You can be honest with me. Have you ever gift cards pushed or anything, man? >> No. >> Are they pushed? Gift cards? >> I mean, no. >> Push numbers? You punch them? >> No. >> Are they fake? Are they going to come back fake at all? >> I [music] hope they don't. >> All right. So, they'll just stay in there for evidence until they're released to you. >> All right. >> What's that? >> No, I can't put the gift cards in. >> I know, but you know, I got to think through my investigative process, you know? I know, but >> If they're not, they'll come right back to you. >> Yeah, I will say though, if you want to have a conversation, I'll I'll Miranda you. Under oath, you can waive your rights, you can talk to me, give me a statement. If you don't want to, I ain't going to hold it against you, man. >> All right. I know, man. >> All right. Hey, I respect it, all right? I got you. You don't want to yell across because everything is you you look bad, [music] right? >> At the end of things, they both were charged with three counts of uttering, one count of larceny by conversion, and three counts of possessing a fraudulent financial transaction device. On September 17th, 2025, police officers were dispatched to a jewelry store after reports of a fraud. When the officers got there, they surprised the suspect who had no idea that the cops had been called. >> Hi. >> Hi. Are you the manager here? >> Yes, I'm the assistant manager. >> Um There you are, my dear. >> So, you were already in contact with the store manager, [music] right? >> No. >> Okay, so dispatch should have been called by the store manager here? She's not physically here, but she called. Um, I have >> [music] >> What happened? Don't even try anything. >> Okay. >> You're being detained. Put the phone down. >> Okay. >> You're being detained. What are you doing? >> I just said you were being detained. You are not free to leave. >> Okay, I'm not leaving. Can I call somebody? Am I allowed to call somebody? >> Huh? Huh? >> I said, "Why didn't you wait?" >> [music] >> Cuz she was getting up. >> No, I didn't. >> You should have waited for me to come in. >> Okay. >> Can I please make a phone call? >> No, not right now. We'll get to you in a minute. >> They approached the woman and while the cops knew she had a fake ID, they wanted her to come clean. But telling the truth was the last thing she wanted to do, which was clear already after she attempted to leave. >> What's your real name? I need to call my lawyer. >> You need to identify yourself. >> So, name >> This is the >> My name is Brittany [music] Green. I obviously don't. Uh, I'm going to say assuming [music] both of these >> You need to identify yourself. >> You're going to go to jail. They'll put you in a safe book for 3 days. >> I think we have those I'm going to have to go >> We're going to be fishing. >> Wait, we're on our adventure to get the nectar of a situation right now. So, [music] you have to wait till we get to you. Not to you'll get a resisting charge. >> The cops had to find out what had happened before they got there, but as the suspect was not going to give the answers they needed at that point, they talked to the manager to get some answers. >> So, she has been to my storage. All of Orlando. And followed the procedures we got just for months. >> I don't know if she >> Previously we would have a couple of them like frequently. Um [music] and she's trying And then we changed I have the location to tell you. She takes the heaviest thing you can pawn. Just this is about 1,000. That's heavy. >> Yes, [music] so they open up credit cards to them buy the way >> pawn. So, they buy the easiest pawn stuff, which is the heaviest gold you can get. >> [music] >> And that's what she was like. They were calling my loss prevention. last notice of about her specifically the case was to call [music] police because of how many times and how many accounts they got open. >> Mhm. So, do you know how many times she's done it here? >> In my location, this is the first I think. But, it's it's at K Jewelers in Orlando [music] specifically a bunch of times. >> Apparently, the suspect hit multiple jewelry stores state wide. According to the manager, other stores had reported the suspect, but she had always managed to evade detection until now. >> After we did it the credit account, then we were like we'll see how >> Then what? >> Um [music] after we did the credit account, then she wanted to see what she would qualify for to buy them. >> Okay. >> But, we have to have the credit account in order for her to purchase >> [music] >> jewelry. Previously the gold chains were to this the gold chains used to see cost. Um [music] 6,999. >> Um this one for 6,89999. Screen number 346442. >> That person is not there anymore. >> 401 527. Karma's a This is going to suck. >> The manager got to work adding up the monetary cost of the things she tried to buy and in total it was over 35 grand. In other words, this scammer was facing serious felony charges. >> No mercy. I can't because she didn't buy anything. I don't have receipts. >> Unless it was physically like processed anyone. >> Training receipt, what you mean? >> Like just print out like a void receipt like you scan it and >> I don't think so. That I know of there's not a way for me to. I can like put them back in the system like how I had them and then we can do like picture, but there's Well, I have like all the prices. Yeah. Yeah, it don't have it on it. Yeah. I wish. I would do that if I could, but I have to charge something in order to do it. >> You're also being trespassed in the whole mall. Yeah, we're trespassing a year. Or you're subject to arrest. >> When am I going to home? Coming? >> Mhm. >> You're 33? >> Yeah. >> Have you ever been there? >> Yep. I know. You'll have to take everything out of jail anyways. Um so you don't have to worry about that. >> They busted the suspect red-handed. But she might have thought she could get away with it again like she had done before again and again. But this time she had no way out and hopefully she'd be using her time in jail to rethink her life. >> Okay, is that it? I know you got a gun in the car, grandma. Get it out. >> Am I doing something wrong? Please have a seat. Trust me, this is not a squeeze at all. >> Yeah? >> Yeah. Take the car. What are your stance? >> Is that what you said? >> Huh? >> Is that what you told me to do? >> Yes, put it on my lips. Okay, I'm not allowed to smoke in here. No, you're not. >> You're going to let me smoke in here? >> Yeah. Well, just sit in real quick so I can grab it. >> They trespassed the woman from the jewelry store, and she also got a charge for fraud. In September of 2025, Homeland Security investigators alerted local police that a financial scam was underway. The victim was an elderly woman, and they had deceived her into believing that her bank account had been compromised. The scammers told the woman to take all of her money out of her account and meet them at a Goodwill store on Robinwood Avenue. They told the woman that they'd collect the cash from her, and they'd make sure it was safe. However, the cops were watching the scammers already, and when the victim arrived and parked her vehicle, she was approached by a man in gray sweatpants and a black hoodie. He took a box from the woman containing $29,000, placed it in his backpack, and began walking to a nearby vehicle. And that was the point when the cops moved in. >> All right, she's giving him a box. He's putting it in the backpack now. There's been an exchange. He's walking away, walking up toward the front of the store. All right, he's still walking up toward the front. Also, that black car is a black uh Chevy that's involved also. Get him out the window. Pull him out. Keep your hands up where we can see him. Hey, let's move around and let's grab the driver. Somebody watch him real quick. All right. Hey, unbuckle your seat belt. Unbuckle your seat belt and come to me. Don't reach for nothing. Don't reach for anything. Do not reach for nothing. >> The scene was incredibly tense, but the cops had the suspects right where they wanted them. And let's be honest here, after scamming an old lady, they deserved everything that was coming their way. The cops wasted no time at all and put the passenger and driver in handcuffs. >> Put your hands behind your back. Face the car. Palms here like you're praying. Spread your feet. Spread them. You got pockets in these black ones? You got anything else on you? No guns, knives, drugs, anything like that? All right, we check the back seat every time before and after people go in there. So Okay. I didn't check his shoes, but Is that your Is that your cruiser mirror? Come on back here. Come on back here. You got anything on you? >> [snorts] >> Are you Are you Are you Uber drivers? You're a Uber driver? >> Yeah. My My phone's here in the Hold it. Your phone's here. Got it. All right, have a seat there for a minute, okay? >> Scammers like this who take advantage of the most vulnerable are some of the worst people imaginable, and these two would have plenty to answer for. With both men secured in the back of a cruiser, the cops began to question them, >> [music] >> starting off with the driver. >> Where was you taking them to? >> Huh? >> Where were you taking them? >> Put them in park. >> To where? >> Here. >> Where was he going to go? >> I don't know, because he's next to one. >> Huh? >> He's next to one. No yet. No yet. >> Okay. >> Just that I said wait he would go inside. >> Wait, he go inside? >> Yeah, he was inside, but I'm waiting and he's too late too late. >> Huh? >> He's late he said check how many minutes I wait. >> Which one? >> Check the app. >> This? >> No, no, that that one. >> This? >> You see? Almost 19 minutes. I wait inside cuz he he took stuff. He next to I don't know where he go. >> There was a bit of a twist as the driver worked for Uber and had no idea what his passenger, Josiah Davis, had been up to. He told the officer that he picked up Josiah at the airport and he was told to make a stop at Goodwill so Josiah could run an errand. Just imagine the man's surprise when he was surrounded by cops who were locked and loaded. >> Yeah, I bring him from the airport. >> Okay, where at at the airport? >> At the >> Like up by the terminal? >> Yeah, let me know. >> Okay, and then you came straight here? >> Yeah, I bring >> With him, and then he went inside. >> Yeah. >> And then you're waiting on him. >> Yeah. >> Okay. You have no idea who he is? >> No, never. >> I thought >> Because I'm working I was working at the left taxi on the water. >> Will you show me the pick up location on here? Can you show me pick up location? >> 070 >> Pick up? >> Yeah. >> 340 >> What are the Oh, okay. >> 070 >> Okay, I'll go to that one. >> Yeah. >> He goes to the bar. >> going to go back there? >> Yeah. You see? >> As things turned out, the Uber driver was telling the truth. As far as Josiah went, he'd never met the man. He had just picked the man up and wound up being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As a result, they released the man and he was free to go. Once that was done, the cops then began to interview Josiah's elderly victim. >> So, obviously, I'm Detective Kincaid with Whitehall Police Department. I deal in fraud. Um I'm familiar with this scam, okay? And someone else at another agency uh had warned me what was going on, okay? This This is uh This is uh you know, something that's overseas, okay? So, but obviously, I'm going to get your money back. How much money did you spend on the gold bars? >> I didn't buy any gold bars. >> What did you buy? >> I went to the bank. >> So, your money, how much money? >> $29,000 >> $29,000? And what they did was they told you that uh your bank account had been compromised and you needed to put it somewhere? Or what was >> So, I'm I was talking to someone from He sent me >> Okay. >> Okay. And he sent me >> Yep. >> And uh I went >> Where do you live by chance? >> I live in >> Okay. >> So, right across the street from that. >> Yep. >> [music] >> Okay. >> Okay. And, um >> So, what did he tell you? >> Well, I've already done a transfer. >> Same people pick up? >> No, this was a different person. >> So, you've already How much did you drop off the first time? >> 20,000 bucks. >> 20,000 bucks. Okay, that stuff's gone. >> That's that. It's not coming from my bank account. >> It was a really sad story. These despicable scammers intentionally seek out and prey on these elderly victims and scare them so much that they hand over their hard-earned savings. Although this victim had already lost 20 grand, thankfully, the cops intervened in the crime as she could have lost even more, amounting to $29,000. Next up, they started searching the man's bag and recovered the victim's money. >> Cool. 29 You get camera? Dusty got it. Are we thinking this Uber guy driver knows nothing? >> I bet so. >> You think he knows? >> No. >> How much cash is it? >> 49,000. >> They then turn their attention to their primary suspect, Josiah. You could tell by the cops' tone that they were disgusted by him and couldn't wait to get him booked. >> Who are you? >> Where's my phone? Did they got with me? >> Huh? >> Where's my phone? Did they got with me? >> No, we're taking that. That's our phone. You probably not getting it back. >> You know what I >> We're going to write a search warrant and dump it. >> I'm not a uh >> Who are you? Huh? >> I'm not even from here. >> Who are you? What's your social? Here's how it's going to work. You're going to sit in jail until you tell somebody who you are. So, if you got to sit there for the next 20 years and be John Doe, that's who you will be. >> Hold on. Let me finish my spiel. All right. So, it's going to be uh a situation here. You understand? Huh? You know what I mean? You come out of these cuffs. All right? They're not tight on you. All right? Yeah, you come out those cuffs and we're going to have some problems. All right? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You grown. You're over 18. This is what happens when you do stupid stuff and you uh make adult decisions. You don't understand? Well, I'm not really concerned with this. Keep your mouth shut. You just go in and do what you got to do and you're going to be all right. Huh? >> You see how little I am? >> Well, hey. All right. What do you do? All right. We're going to stand right here. We're going to go to the left here. And you stand by. Okay. Come on. >> The man seemed visibly scared, terrified of the prospect of going to prison. That being said, if this guy had chosen to make an honest living, but as a result of his actions, he was now going to get a taste of what it feels like to be vulnerable behind bars. >> All right, brother. Come on. Well, now the sad thing about that is, you know, again, this is where you got to make a decisions, you know? What do you want to do? You only 115 lb, right? Everybody in jail is 230 and 300 lb and, you know, we're going to walk our way around the back here, you know? So, when you make a decision that can cause you your livelihood, you make a decision that can cause you to get in jail, you know, who can't you be mad with? >> Nobody but myself. >> You damn skippy. You understand? So, let this be a learning lesson. >> He's now facing charges of theft by deception, [music] financial exploitation of an elderly person, and other charges related to fraud. But thanks to the cops and their sting operation, they recovered the woman's money totaling $29,000, and it was returned to her in full. On the 13th of March, 2025, the cops were dispatched to a J.C. Penney store after reportedly, there was a theft by an employee. When the officers got there, they were greeted by a manager who filled them in. >> Before we get going, I just wanted to kind of brief you. It is an internal associate. We have him in the back, which is by the salon, but I wanted to make sure it was okay with you. We kind of He he's caused a He's been taking from us for over 18 months. The shrink is well over six figures for us. So, we were hoping that we can actually have him walked out through the jewelry department, just in case if there is anything else going on, kind of as like a deterrent to the rest of the members in our store. Is that something that >> Oh. >> would be okay? >> Yeah, I mean, he's got to I got to bring him out this way anyway. >> Okay. Yeah, that's fine. Okay, cool. Cool. Cool. >> The manager insisted that they perp walk the >> Did he admit to taking the stuff he did? >> He did. He admitted to doing it for over the 18 months. We did make him write a statement for us to also add to our files. So we'll provide you guys with a copy of his statement as far as admitting. So what we are attempting to prosecute right now is what we have on video because over because of the shrinkage that was caused we were able to put in cameras in certain areas. So now we're we were kind of able to develop and finally catch him in the act. >> Got you. >> So what we have on camera was him stealing two gold chains which were valued at $9,624. >> Okay, so that's for sure on the >> video. And then as far as everything else we did partner with our investigator. This was his pawn history that was given to us by Gainesville PD. >> Got you. >> So that's what he received but this is definitely totaling that like 33K like 330K >> Okay. >> worth of merchandise. >> Yes, you heard that right. After an internal investigation they suspected Paul of stealing merchandise so for 18 months totaling about $330,000. It was a staggering amount and Paul was going to pay dearly for it. Next up the cops went back in the store to review surveillance footage with the staff. >> What we have on video versus what his pawn history shows and and all the other stuff like he's he's into this way more than what we have video for but I know that your detectives will be able to go and and verify all >> Yeah. >> So she pulled the this is like the last 6 months back to October of his pawn history. It was done by Detective Fuentes from Gainesville because he's part of a retail theft group that we're in. So he ran it for our boss but that that you could that's your copy. She's got a copy of video for you. Here's a copy of the receipts that for the actual items that was on video. Oh no that's not the one. Sorry it's this one. With the video. Here's your copy of the video. So these are the two that we have on video is one one chain was $4,259 and one chain was $5,990. >> That's one out of back pocket. Another chain. With the tag in the front left pocket. And then he does come back but that's just to kind of do like closing paperwork normal stuff. And then he exits out for the night so never returned in and never so I come back out of his pocket. >> As they were documenting the man's crimes the staff was very meticulous and as a result the cops had more than enough evidence to confront the man and arrest him. So they went over to Paul and broke the bad news to him. >> I'm sure they explained everything to you how they got you on camera and doing all that stuff. I guess the only question is why. >> I had some hot chicks to deal with. >> Okay. And you used the money to help you out with that basically. Okay. Um the video that they showed me is showed it was March 3rd. Do you remember that day? >> It was your last shift. >> What was the safe? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. Um and that day on the video it was showing you taking two >> two chains >> two chains yeah. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um you took those chains did you pawn them did you Okay so you pawned them. >> Mhm. >> All right. Do you have anything else to add for me or anything like that or >> No. >> Anything you want to say or >> I can say I'm sorry but what else can I say? >> Okay. All right Paul. >> Paul said that he was facing financial difficulty, but that didn't give him the right to steal thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from his employer. But, there was a silver lining because at least he was being honest about it, and he wasn't trying to cover his tracks. >> They do want to go through with following charges. So, you are going to come with me today. We're working on statements and doing all that stuff, but that's where we are, okay? I'm just going to be honest with you. Um do you have any >> be locked up for? >> Yeah, you're going to Uh what's today? Thursday? So, you're going to have a bond. Um it's already Thursday afternoon, so I would probably say tomorrow afternoonish or or Saturday. >> I won't be able to come up with the bond. >> Yeah. So, you'll just have to wait till Yeah, you'll just have to wait till first appearance, but >> As the man was approaching his 80s, understandably, he was concerned about doing jail time. But, like any other suspect, he should have thought about that before engaging in criminal blacks. Unfortunately for this man, there was no one to blame but himself. >> Paul, do you get to just stand in the form of police? >> Well, can I make a phone call? >> Yeah, you know, listen, he's got to do He's got to do all his stuff first, and then before he takes you, he'll let you make your phone calls, okay? But, there's still there's still procedures that we've got to get >> Yeah, once we get outside, I'll I'll let you [music] do all that part, okay? >> So, you have to wait till you get to get outside? >> Yes, sir. Yeah. >> Oh, it's it's it's a felony. Felony. >> [snorts] >> Just like the officer promised, he was perp walked through the aisles of the store. And if any employees were watching, there was a statement being made, and the statement was that if you steal from J.C. Penney, you're going to be dealing with police. >> Just let me know what time I'm going to be out. Let me >> me to know what? >> That I'm being arrested. >> You want me to tell Mary? >> Well, she's the only person that's I'm close with in in Georgia. >> I'll talk I'll talk to Mary. I'll pull her I'll pull her aside. >> [clears throat] >> All right. All right. What I'll have you do is sit down and then I'm going to give you uh I'll get the phone open for you and let you make a call, okay? >> Oh, god damn. It's tight. >> All was taken to the station where they'd officially charge him with retail theft. But first off, he was allowed to call his daughter who was completely shocked by what her father had been up to. >> Hello? >> Can you hear me? >> Yeah, I can hear you too. >> Okay, I'm being arrested. >> What for? >> For stealing. Jewelry. For stealing jewelry. >> All right. When did you start stealing jewelry? >> Uh never mind. Never mind. That don't matter. I haven't. But they're taking me to jail now. >> What do I got to do? >> Um right now there's nothing much you can do until they I get back to the jail and they let me make another phone call or something. >> Okay, well call me, please. >> All right. >> Okay. You said Have you been You haven't been stealing? >> Yes. >> Okay, call me. >> All right. >> Okay, bye. >> Bye. Hold on. Make sure that goes with you and I'm going to close this. I'll turn up the air, too, cuz I know that's a little warm back here. >> They charged the man with grand theft. When it comes to the elderly, usually, they're a very easy target for scammers. But as we found out about this guy, older people can still play the game. On the 8th of November, 2024, in Perrysburg Township, a traffic stop took a very unexpected turn. In this case, the cops uncovered a massive scheme involving counterfeit cash. >> Hello. How's it going? Your car looked blue from from the side. It looked like a blue color. >> Blue? >> It Well, it looked like it. Do you want to step out? I'll I'll explain my stop to you. What's your name? Tiffany? I'm going to explain to him. Yeah. T I F A N Y? >> Yeah. >> What's that? You know, typically, ash ashing is littering, okay? Did you know that? That's why people carry around ashtrays. Do you got an ASHTRAY IN THERE? OH, COME ON. SO, ASH IS THERE. I DON'T CARE. ALL RIGHT. HOW YOU DOING? >> How you doing, man? >> Fabulous. Okay, listen, the reason why you're being stopped, okay? You stopped past the stop bar, okay? And maybe like the Home Depot area. I don't know if you're from the area. Okay, so whenever there's a white stop bar, either at a stop light or a stop sign, you got to stop at the bar or before. You can't cross over, okay? You got a lot of people walking up and down 20, that busy road that you were on, okay? >> The driver handed his license over and said he was the registered owner, but then he quickly changed his story, saying the car was a rental. As they were running the suspect's IDs, there were more red flags popping off such as multiple outstanding warrants and conflicting explanations about their travel. And furthermore, none of them seem to know the real names of the other passengers. >> This story is all off the walls. One to Chicago to visit his aunt. And that's weird. He said he came straight from Pennsylvania. You want to talk to him more? >> Yeah. Oh, you went to the casino? Did you win anything? >> Hell, no. >> Hell, no? >> [laughter] >> Who are they to you? >> Friends. >> Who's friends and who's family? >> Family in the back. >> Both of them? >> Yeah, family in the back and friends. >> So, y'all went to the casino in Pennsylvania? What's uh female's name in the back? How do you say her first name? Ada? Is that your sister? >> No. No, not my No, no, not my sister. I didn't say no, my sister. >> Family? >> Yeah. >> Cousin? >> No, it's like The one in the back is a friend. She's like she's a friend. >> Oh, I thought you said the ones in the back were family. >> No, yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't I don't mean it like like like immediate like brother like >> Okay, like yeah. >> [music] >> Not like your brother brother like like your brother. Yeah, I got you. Yeah, I got you. You don't know how to say her first name though? >> No. >> So, by that point, the cops were more than suspicious and the driver was acting weird, so the cops had a hunch she had something to hide. As a result, some more cops arrived on scene and they ordered everybody out of the vehicle. >> All right. I know it's cold outside, but I'm going to have you step out real quick, okay? Yeah. Just one at a time though. Just leave everything in here. Yep. All right, go back over here. Nothing on you or anything? Okay. Can I search your pockets? Make sure you don't have any guns, knives, bombs, anything illegal? Okay, all right. All right, just leave everything in here and just go ahead and step out for me. Yep, that's fine. That's cool. >> I don't got no ass for the proof. But you just told me out there where you say ass and it's literal because it's your ass, so you going to need it there. >> All right, nothing in your pockets or anything like that? Can I search your pockets? All right, turn around for me. >> There you go. Just stand right here. >> You got anything out of your weapons at all? Nothing at all? Let's go over here so we don't get hit. >> [snorts] >> Let's put your hands right here for me. >> There we go. >> Dispatch, 10-22. >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> Let's go back and stay with your friends, okay? >> They were searched by the cops and placed in the back of a squad car. Next up, they brought a canine out and did a perimeter search of the suspect's vehicle. After the dog made several alerts, they decided to search the vehicle looking for contraband. >> Check here. And these are off. I think these are fake. >> Oh, they feel fake. >> Yeah. Go right here. Hey. Hey, let's take you back to the office. You guys are It's all the counterfeit in the trunk. >> Yeah? >> A lot. Look at this. >> OMG. Oh my gosh. >> Nice. Good night. >> Uh-huh. >> Good night. >> I'm having Scotty come out with Bolger. >> In the trunk of the vehicle, the cops found a satchel containing thousands of dollars worth [music] of counterfeit bills. Strangely, they were in various forms of completion. As a result, they towed the vehicle back to the station so they could analyze it further using forensics, and they brought the suspects in for further questioning. >> All right, you want to hop out first for me? Same thing in the back of the car real quick. >> What you said what? >> Yeah, we're good in here. Anything on you that we missed at all? Anything in your pockets at all? We're going to interview room on the right. She's going to search you real quick. So, if you want to stand up, please. You said nothing on you that that we missed at all? Okay. Thank you. Sorry that took a couple minutes. You got anything in your pockets I'll let you throw them in here for me. Pick them up. Crocks off me. Throw them in there. Friday. We didn't miss nothing on you. Nothing sharp at all? No weapons at all? Okay. >> How about blankies and stuff? >> No, no blankies unfortunately. All right, come on out. All right. I'll pat you down in a quick here a second. Just go ahead and stand over there for me. >> All right. >> You did have surgery on it or you have to have surgery? >> You're supposed to. >> Yeah, I'm still on the steps. >> It is broken for sure? >> Yes. Fracture is broken. This is it. >> Does it hurt like hell? When did you do this? >> Three weeks. It's better than others. >> Yeah. >> [snorts] >> Just from falling? >> I came down like the steps >> After searching the vehicle further, they found multiple bills that were forged, printed counterfeit sheets, 183 of them, and counterfeit cash totaling $33,650. All four of the suspects got [music] a charge for forgery, counterfeiting, and possession of criminal tools. They assigned the case to Secret Service with the hunch being that they might be connected to a wider counterfeit operation across multiple states. By the end of things, their plans turned out to not be foolproof as there were multiple problems including cameras, witnesses, and a bunch of cops asking questions. It's funny how fast things unravel when no-nonsense cops immediately shut down the scammer schemes.