Major Case Bureau detectives report the arrest of a Manhattan man for an incident involving an elderly scam that occurred on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 2:49 pm in Farmingdale.
According to Fraud and Forgery Detectives, a 95 year old female victim received a phone call on July 20, 2020 from an individual claiming to be her grandson who stated he had been arrested. The victim was then informed that someone would be sent to pick up $8,500 needed for his bail. When the unknown male arrived, the victim handed over an envelope containing $8,500 in US currency. The victim was contacted via telephone again on July 21, 2020 twice and was informed that more funds were needed. On two separate occasions that day, an unknown male subject arrived to pick up an envelope containing $12,000 in US currency and an envelope of $20,000 US currency. The victim called police to file a report when she realized she was the victim of an elder scam.
On July 22, 2020 the victim was contacted by an unknown subject stating an additional $14,000 US currency was needed. A subsequent investigation ensued and detectives coordinated a controlled delivery of the funds. When the defendant Misael Romero, 27, of 271 West 113th Street, Apartment 5B, arrived to pick up the money, he was placed under arrest by detectives without incident.
Misael Romero is charged with Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree. He will be arraigned on July 23, 2020 in Mineola.
Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
Details by: Det. Pinsky/FFU 07/23/20/0030/8834