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On December 15th, 2024, officers spoke with a man who reported being contacted by someone posing as a US Marshal. The caller falsely claimed that his Social Security number was linked to a money laundering investigation and convinced him to withdraw his savings to clear his name. >> Okay. So, Orlando, when you get back into Española, just give us a call so we can meet you somewhere and get pictures and and we'll go from there. >> But >> Tell him don't take out any money. Don't >> Yeah, but don't take out any money. Don't do anything like that, okay? >> But if they call before we meet, just have him um >> I want to share the department at the Rio Arriba >> Yeah. Yeah, it's at the Sheriff's office. But if they call in the meantime, don't don't don't let them know what's going on. >> Yeah, I know where you guys are located at Sheriff's so >> Okay. All right, Orlando. Yes, when you get back in town, just give me a call and we can we'll meet you there. >> Okay. So, kind of tell us again, um be as descriptive as possible. Um so, how how did you initially get the the first call? >> I want to be the I mean, I'm not the same to go in this way. That's why >> All right. I If you don't mind if I say >> Look. >> Yeah. I'm just There's a the the There's a I think when he said that I if I had purchased that laptop, that's where it started. And I thought they know. So, right away they they told me we got investigator or something like that and we'll right away they just the guy put me on the phone. He said, "Don't don't hang up that phone cuz this is a US This is Lee Jacob Lee, a US Marshal." And then what what really kept me from doing from me doing anything is because the city police called me. Mhm. Told me I was at the bank there at the the north end. You want to go by the you know, by what we tell you we going to send the city police to arrest you. >> Gotcha. >> And that's the last thing I wanted to do is get arrested like I mean, that's that's all the all the thing I've been believing, you know, and like after all like today like this morning I mean, it's been hell like after all just like >> Mhm. >> And people they said we need to take all the money and >> And and how How cash did you give him? >> We gave him about $73,000. >> Was it cash? >> Cash, yes. >> And he identified himself as >> a US Marshall. US Marshall. And I kind of like Google after all like a few days back after like a week after I 3 4 day I Google his name here and there was a name of a Jacob Lee, but I couldn't get too much information on him and like so and then like and so I don't know it's >> And then so the guy that came to to pick up the money, what what did did he give you a name? >> His name is David. >> Okay. >> And I cannot tell his last name. And then I kind of like I like so like he seemed like kind of like those Indian guy like those kind of like dark on video kind of >> So I can guarantee you this is a scam. Um what I would like to do is if they do call you I would like to set up um kind of a sting operation if you will if you watch old 80s movies. If we don't identify them, if we can't identify them, it's going to be really hard to track their finances and stuff. This is generally a a job for the Attorney General's Office because what they do with that money as soon as they get it whether wire transfer or whatever, um they put that money into an account like an offshores account or something or in another another account in another country. It takes a lot and there's really not a whole lot that a a local Sheriff's Office or a police department even state police can really do to get it back. Um generally that's the state Attorney General's Office and then possibly the FBI can get involved. Um kind of what I would like to do uh I'll have to talk to the DA our District Attorney uh just to make sure it's okay with them uh cuz I want to make sure that everything's legal everything we do everything the right way. Maybe you give them a check or something or we catch them before they go in the bank uh but we just have to have to know who it is. Uh so if you get any text messages or anything, ask them what they're driving. How do I know it's you? Ask what they're driving, ask what they're wearing, that kind of stuff. And if we can get that, then we can detain them before they actually get in the bank. Don't take any more money out. Um, but if they call you, you can tell them, "Hey, I have the money." And then ask them where they want to meet. Whatever they do or whatever they say, don't go to whatever location. If you can get them to to meet you somewhere, then we'll we'll go and do our end of it. I'll be honest with you. I just want to set expectations. It There's very little chance that we'll we'll actually get your money back. If If you want, what we can do, we can go out in the parking lot, you can give them a call while I'm still recording on my camera, and we can see if maybe they're willing to meet up. >> The man contacted the scammers who agreed to meet him at his home, but demanded proof that he had withdrawn the money. Detectives then coordinated with the bank to arrange the transaction. >> Hi, how are you? >> Hi, how are you? >> Good. Hey, I'm Detective Jacobs. This is Deputy Graves. So, right now >> [sighs and gasps] >> it's going to be a little little strange, okay? So, we're working an investigation. This guy has been getting scammed. The people that are contacting him are telling him to come in here, take out a large amount of cash, take a picture of a receipt and the cash, and then that way he can set a meeting with them. So, we're trying to facilitate that. I don't know if how you'd be able to help. >> So, that happens all the time. >> Yeah. >> But, what we do is we freeze their accounts and don't let them do that. >> So, what's unique >> to go a step further >> Yeah. >> to allow it. >> So, what what's unique about this one and the reason that we're going this route is because all the ones I've seen in the past, they normally have to wire transfer, money order, and then they mail it or something like that. They're actually meeting this guy at his house. So, we're trying Obviously, they know where he lives, and so we're we're trying to do essentially a sting operation like where where he says he has the money, he takes the pictures, they set a meet up, and then we swarm in and >> Right. Right. >> capture them. >> Okay. >> My I guess my goal is I don't want him I don't want him to take the money out, but the unfortunate thing is is that he's going to need to take a picture of the money as well. That's how he's contacted in the past. But something I didn't say earlier too is that saying that they're law enforcement. >> What is the amount? >> 47,000. >> Cuz that might also be an issue. >> Yeah. >> Cuz we normally, I mean on the norm we don't keep amounts like that. >> Well, that's what >> You have to order it in advance. >> Yeah, so I don't know how he did before cuz he gave 50,000. Uh >> I mean that and he may have I mean it depends on the day you come. >> Yeah. >> We've had some huge withdrawals lately. We need to speak with your supervisor. >> Yeah, and that's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about too is I'm sure that he's not the only person that that's happened so >> them all the time. >> Okay. >> And we tell these members and we have people sitting here in fear with them on the phone. >> Yep. >> And it's like hang up. >> That's why we're trying to >> And you know >> That's why we're trying to cut the head off the snake, you know. >> it, we close their accounts, we open new accounts, we give them new debit cards and it was like tell these people do not answer that phone. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean if he's going to take it out and put it right back, let's just take it out, give them a receipt, let them take pictures and put it back. I mean this isn't coming back later, right? >> No. No. [laughter] No. >> But maybe it would be nice will you arrest us? No. >> [laughter] >> I'm just joking. I'm joking. How much is it? >> 40k. >> Just take it out of the vault? I don't have that much in the vault. Do we have 50s? >> Yeah, just do half of what we have. We have 30s. >> Do the whole thing out of the vault? >> Yeah. >> Okay, so I'll go tell him cuz like I said normally he says that they have him on the phone. He'll come in, he'll withdraw it, he'll go back to his vehicle, take the pictures that he needs of the receipt and the money. And then we'll just come right back in and we'll set up the Should be okay? >> Yeah, we should. I mean it's the member's money and >> Yeah, I mean he was going to take it out anyway had he not called us. So I guess so I talked to them sir. So what do you think about taking out the money and then we'll come out here to your vehicle, you can take a picture of the receipt and the money and then go back inside and just deposit it back right back. Does that sound okay? >> Yeah, yeah, it would. >> Okay. We're not going to talk, okay? >> Don't say nothing because I'll I'll I'll just put it away talking to you. >> Okay. >> Okay, ready? >> Yep. Jacob. >> Okay. I'm I'm I'm here in the car. >> Did you get your phone yet? >> Yes. >> No problem. >> Yeah, I got the the whole thing. Yes, yes, I do. >> All right, so >> Yeah. >> You can take a picture of the receipt and take the picture of the cash and you send it to me, okay? >> All right. They're there, so they called it in. >> Okay. Give me a minute. Let me check it. >> Okay. >> You can come in here. >> You want that receipt? >> So, it's your money. I'm not going to tell you what to do with it. I just want to make sure that we keep it as safe as possible. >> Yeah, yeah, you'll be safe. I I think we'll save it. I I I'm hoping I I can keep it safe, but >> Well, what I worry about is now that they know where you live and they told you to keep the money in your vehicle, I don't want them to try to break in your vehicle at night. >> I I understand. I can put it in safe in my safe. >> Okay. >> Yeah, they told me to put it in the car at night. >> Did he just text you? I think I heard a ding. Call you in an hour. He he wants to keep it for now. So, that way if they ask for pictures in the future, but what I want to do is I want to make sure that his account is frozen or he gets a new bank account cuz I don't know, maybe maybe you can tell me about it. Is there anything on the receipt that can link back to his account? Like that serial number or anything? Cuz I just want to make sure that his money is as safe as possible. >> So, so it's not going to So, it only has the last four of your account number. >> Well, uh we'll make sure the money's safe or he'll make sure the money's safe and then we'll get it back to you guys in his account. >> going to pay one the other $10,000 that I didn't have at home. >> Okay, you have that at home, too? >> I had but that's what she that that one had in the safe because he told me he had to take it home or whatever. >> Okay. All right. Well, let's let's go get let's get a game plan. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. >> Detectives devised a plan for the victim to hand over a decoy package filled with wooden boards wrapped in newspaper and weighted to resemble the cash the scammers expected. Once the package was prepared, detectives waited at the victim's home for someone to arrive and collect it. >> 10-4, we're rolling to that lane right now. >> Caravan is still at the top of the driveway. 16 and I are getting into position. They're making the exchange right now. Stand by. >> Okay, we're halfway down. What do you want me to do? >> Units, go go go. >> Get on the ground! Get on the ground! Get on THE [ __ ] GROUND! HANDS WHERE I CAN [ __ ] SEE THEM, [ __ ] >> THAT CARAVAN THAT CARAVAN IS backing up. Do not [ __ ] move. >> Good copy. Good copy. >> Let me see your hands! GET OUT OF THE CAR! HANDS! HANDS! Get out of the car! >> Okay, I am. >> Get out of the [ __ ] car! Hurry up! Let me see your hands! Keep your hands up! Turn around! >> What's your name? >> Mahendra. >> What is it? >> Mahendra. >> Is this how you make a living, bro? >> No, he told me to pick up the package again. I was like, "Okay." >> We'll talk about it, okay? >> Pick up the package. >> You just told him that you were talk that it was the cops, so don't act like >> He told me that >> All right, roll on your butt. >> What happened and I was like >> Roll on your butt. >> Oh, there's the cops right here. >> All right, stand up. Sit on your butt. There you go. All right, 1 2 3. All right, you're going to lean up against this car, okay? >> Yeah. I don't know what was going on. He just called me >> Is there anything in here that I need to know about? >> No, sir. >> Is this yours? >> Yeah. >> Do you mind if I go through it real quick just to make sure? >> Yes, it's my backpack [snorts] with things in there. That's it. Like a >> He told He already told him it's the cops. He was on the phone with him. >> No, I was like there's cops here. I don't know why. >> Yeah, you don't know why. >> I don't know anything about it. >> But we're going to find out, so don't worry. >> All right, so here's what we're going to do. We're going to take the cuffs off. You're not going to move, okay? If you do, you're going to go to the ground. >> Stay over here, please. >> Whenever I release this right cuff, I want you to do is put your hand on top of your head, okay? >> Yeah. >> Is this your bag? Everything in here yours? >> Yeah. >> Dude, you mind if I look through your bag and make sure there's nothing in there? >> Yeah. >> Yes? >> Okay, he He said that that guy's just a cab driver. >> Well, let's ID him, get his information, we'll let him go. Are you good with that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm going to secure this. >> Okay, thank you. See the guy that picked up the money last time? Hello. >> Jacob. >> Orlando. >> Jacob. >> Mhm. >> What's going on? >> Are you naked in your room? >> Yeah. >> Who else is with you? >> Nobody. >> Hey, Adam. Adam. >> You picked the wrong county to do a scam in. >> Adam. >> I'm coming for you. So, what happened? >> Basically, [snorts] one of the guy reach me out. He asked me like I have to go like I have to go at this location, pick up a package, and just bring it back to the airport. >> Okay. >> And they will pay me like 1,000 bucks. >> Where'd you fly out from? >> All right, two one central clear for uh >> From Dallas? Okay, where's this guy from? >> And I came from really from Pennsylvania to Dallas, and then Dallas to here like connecting flights. >> Okay. So, you flew all the way to Dallas to pick up money? >> I I'm not sure what is what was in there, really. Like I just got told like all right, this is what I have to pick up. A package. >> So, you're you're telling you're telling me that when I dump your phone, there's not going to be text messages and stuff on there talking about how you're going to get money from this guy? >> Yes. I I just got the location >> You just thought it was totally legit that you just come to some guy's house. >> I'm not sure like they were like they will pay me 1,000 bucks, and I was just going through some stuff. Like I just had a baby. And we are not meeting up the bills and everything, and then it was going to help me out a little bit. That's why >> You realize that you're taking this man's retirement. You're taking everything he's ever worked for. Listen to me for a second. Listen me Listen to me for a second. You're taking everything that this man has worked for in his entire life. He worked in a a He worked in a a great profession to build the money, and you're coming over here and you're taking it from him. >> I totally understand that, sir, but that's not what I'm doing. I I just got told >> Okay, but if I got a phone number and how did they contact you originally? >> They contact me over the phone. >> So, do you know this guy at all? >> No. Never met him. >> How How did he contact you? >> It's like there are a few friends that That's where I came from YYZ. >> So, he's a friend of a friend? >> Yeah. Like two or three friends, and then >> Okay. >> I know him, but >> So, and just all of a sudden he's like, "Hey, I know you're in Pennsylvania. I want you to fly to New Mexico to go pick up a package for me, and I'll give you a thousand dollars for it." >> So, basically what happened, I used to live in Virginia. >> Mhm. >> And I just moved down to Pennsylvania some time ago, and we had a business in like Virginia. >> Mhm. >> And I never did this. This is my first time. I moved to Pennsylvania. It is that expensive and as of I'm working, I'm not reaching the meds. So, I was talking to my friend like, all right, this is the case. I might do something like start working on the side to make extra money or my wife I'll take care of the baby and my wife can work. So, that's how like we were just talking casually. And one day he just suddenly called me and he was like, I have something like that. If you want to do it, it's all good. I was like, okay, I just have to pick up a packet then I'm good. Like is there any drugs or anything like that? He was like, no, no, there's nothing drugs. I was like, okay. >> Is this the first time you've been here? >> Yes. >> Is it not the second time? >> No. >> So, here's what >> You're lying, bro. >> Hm? >> I think [snorts] you're lying to us. >> Yeah, I mean, I'm I'm going to get all the >> Why would I have to lie? >> Because you're you're trying to you're trying to steal money. But, here's the deal. You're going to stand right here. I'm going to make a phone call, okay? >> Sure. Yeah, I don't think you're Orlando. >> No, this is the This is Detective Jacobs of the Rio Arriba County Sheriff's Office. We got your boy and we're coming for you, okay? Just put you on notice. You feel good about your Do you feel good about yourself scamming old men out of their money? >> What did you say? Sheriff? I couldn't quite hear you. You're a federal officer. >> Yeah, I'm an actual cop. I'm I'm not a fake US Marshal like you say you are. I'm going to find >> I'm a fake >> I'm going to find out who you are and I'm I'm going to put a warrant out for your arrest and I'm going to come personally put handcuffs on you. Oh, I will. >> Uh they arrested the guy that picked up your money my money and and I hope you can I hope you can send some of the money back or most of all of what what you got from me last Sunday. >> In your case, especially in your case now. You can either help us out or you can take the [ __ ] fall. Where the line you're walking is a fine line and where you're heading to is the drop-off. You're going to take the full hit for this. We've done our research. It's like we were we just didn't have a hunch and we said, oh, we'll just we'll park you here randomly, you know. So, it's either you come on board with us or you take the the whole complete fall. All right. So, as of right now, you are going to be under arrest for fraud, okay? Like I said, you you know what's going on. So, hold on hold on listen. So, here's what here's what's going to happen, okay? And what I want you to do is I want you to think really hard about this, okay? On our way back to the office, okay? You're an accessory to this, whether you say that you believed it or not. What I want you to do is I want you to think really hard by the time we get back to the office. I'm going to talk to you, okay? And then that between here and there, I'm going to call the FBI, okay? Because you came from different states and now the money that you were supposed to pick up reaches over a hundred thousand dollars, there's a good chance the FBI is going to pick this up, okay? So, I want you to be a witness in this, not a defendant eventually, okay? So, I want you to think long and hard about telling me the truth and we'll get over there, we'll talk again, okay? >> Yep. >> All right, perfect. >> Who do you think you are, you fascist? >> I'm the guy that's going to put a federal warrant out for your arrest eventually through the FBI. >> Do you believe me when someone calls you and they have like that Indian accent like how these guys >> It's it's probably not real, any of it. You know what I mean? Um, if they call you for a bank account, if they call you for oh, your wife, if they call you for anything, it's it's probably most likely >> We've got to put out a big press release about this. >> Oh, yeah. And I called the I was on the phone with the uh Marshall's office, so. >> Okay. >> I'm going to send him a picture of this guy and his ID. I just need it. I don't know who has it. >> So, yeah, it's in his bags. Yeah, so that's that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to It's in the bag. Thank you. Okay. I'll talk to you at the office, okay? >> Is it possible if you can loosen up a little bit? >> Loosen up, okay. All right, end recording 14:36. So, so here here's my thing though, okay? So, and again, like I said, correct me if I'm wrong, but you asked about drugs. So, you had to have known something was >> Cuz he was willing me this much amount of money. >> Exactly. >> So, I thought it was real. >> across the country and that kind of stuff. Yeah, it's a little strange. >> This is where I thought it too, but at the same time when I asked him like at that time I never came in my mind like what else should be in there. >> Right. >> I was like drugs is the main thing like and I never know like they can Yeah, like they never told me like it's money in there or it's somebody else's money or something like that. He just told me it's personal stuff. Don't worry about it. It's all good. >> Got you. >> So I was like okay. Came down here and he was telling me like just go there give him name your name and the password and he will give you a box and just leave from there. I was like that's strange, but okay. >> You needed the money. But here here's how I want to do it, okay? I'm a straight shooter. I just want to tell you what I want to do and we have the forms here. If you want to, great. If not, we don't have to, okay? This this can go however you want it to, okay? That's the great thing about America. I think that you were taken advantage of because you need money. You're in a bad spot. The unfortunate thing is that you did commit a crime. I already talked to the FBI and with you crossing states and all that kind of stuff, there's a high probability that they're going to take on this case. I want to go back to a question that I had asked earlier. I know that if I was told to go get a package and I didn't know what was in it, I know I'd be a little curious. >> I was curious, too. But at the same time I was like I did last time I was like there might be nothing illegal or and it's all good. So >> So at no point from at no point from the time that you picked up the package to the time that you dropped it off, did you ever look inside the box? >> Never. >> Never. I just I just want to be completely honest with you. I can't gather facts and find evidence in support of what you're saying without, you know, without going further. Like yeah, there's ways I can get a search warrant and get into your phone. That That's just what it is. It would be easier to be able to have you sign this, unlock your phone, I take the pictures, we'll sign into your other phone, you can unlock it, I'll take pictures of what I think is relevant, and then that can be the end of it. Like I said, I'm being straight shooter. Most Most cops will tell you, "Oh, you don't need a lawyer, you know, whatever." I'm being honest with you because this is some pretty heavy stuff. If you want a lawyer, you can talk to him, or we can continue, I can get what I need, and I can try to help you. Cuz you Cuz you've been really good with me. You've been cool with me. So, I want to be cool with you. >> I'm not totally honest yet. That's all I know. >> Okay. Tell me more. >> I have picked up gold for somebody. >> Gold? Okay. Where was that? >> North New York, New Jersey. The The one I told you about the trip. >> So, you knew that this was an illegal thing. >> Yeah, that gold was Yeah, I knew. >> Okay. So, you knew coming back this time, though. >> Kind of. >> No. >> I had a glimpse of it. I'm just trying to be honest with you. I know it's not going to get me anywhere lying to you, but >> Yeah. So, the other thing is, too, like I said, in the United States, uh we have what's called public defenders. You call your friend, he can try to arrange something, um but if he's not licensed to practice in New Mexico, like I said, one a lawyer will represent bring Shoot. Will represent you tomorrow. Okay? You'll see a judge. The judge will more than likely release you, right? The judge will release you. Uh public defender, uh somebody who who works for the state um defending people, they will step in for you. If you don't show up, that's what I was explaining earlier, that they'll issue a warrant for your arrest. And the the shitty thing, excuse my language, but the The thing about that is is that if you don't show up to court and they they issue that warrant, what happens is you'll always be looking over your shoulder. Every time you get a track like you get pulled over or anything like that. I just want you I just want this process to be as simple for you. If the FBI picks it up, it looks better on your part that you're complying with everything. I don't think you're a bad person. I just I think just bad situation. Make sure that you get all that information. Give them all your information. That way you can get the next court date and you will have to come out here uh for what's called a preliminary hearing. And that'll happen in about 10 days. And before we leave, uh I'll let you look at your phone again. Uh just that way if there's any text messages or anything like that from your wife. >> to be staying here or going to the jail? >> You're going to the jail. Yeah. >> And before we leave, can you can you hand me paper so I can write down the numbers that I need? >> Yeah. No, absolutely. >> Okay. >> The man was charged with fraud over $20,000 and attempted fraud over $20,000. Court records show the case was later ended by a nolle prosequi, meaning prosecutors chose not to continue the case at that time. Because it was dismissed without prejudice, the charges could legally be filed again in the future. The available court docket does not reflect a plea, conviction, or sentence. The sheriff's report stated that the FBI adopted the investigation because it appeared to involve a multi-state fraud operation. Investigators connected the caller who identified himself as US Marshal Jacob Lee to a WhatsApp contact known to the courier only as RR. However, no real identity, arrest, or federal court case for the person behind either alias has been publicly verified. Messages recovered from the courier's phones included victims' addresses, expected cash amounts, photos of money, and pickup instructions connected to New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina. Other evidence on his devices also linked to operation to suspected cash and gold pickups in Ohio, New York, and Maryland.

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