The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Two arrests were made after the authorities allegedly traced FedEx packages containing $81,000 to a suspect reportedly wrongfully charging people money for removing viruses from their computers.
Last Thursday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reportedly received a call from a person who wished to remain anonymous. The caller, who asserted that they were the victim, reported a situation involving the elderly New Jersey resident being scammed out of money. The person said they thought they had sent $11,000 to someone who called to inform them that they had a computer virus and would remove it for a fee, but after mailing the money they suspected they had been scammed.
When the authorities investigated the claim they reportedly uncovered details that appeared to coincide with those that the caller had given. It was allegedly found that someone who was offering their services to remove computer viruses was using FedEx shipments as a means of accepting payment.
The suspect purportedly called the alleged victims, most of whom were reported as elderly, and informed them that they had viruses on their personal computers. They were then allegedly asked that the charge for removal be sent to a Rodeway Inn located in Tampa, Florida addressed to the name of Dontavius Oakley.
Detectives reportedly traced arriving packages coming from a minimum of nine states, and they decided to set up an operation where they disguised themselves and dropped off parcels for the alleged suspect.
Using surveillance they set up at the location in an attempt to find the reported long-distance computer virus removal specialist, the authorities kept an eye on the scene.
The authorities allegedly spotted Oakley as he picked the planted parcels up while accompanied by another man, identified as Carlton Thomas.
When the pair tried to leave the premises together in an automobile they were intercepted.
Oakley was placed under arrest and he is facing charges suspicion of organized fraud, and grand theft.
Thomas, who was also arrested but has not currently been linked to the alleged scam, was accused of driving with a counterfeit license, in addition to a second charge after it was learned that he has a warrant in New Jersey.
It is estimated that an alleged $81,000 was taken from the people who sent their money for computer services, and the authorities expect they will find others who were duped in the purported hoax.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.