The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man is facing felony charges after reportedly pretending to be Elon Musk in an alleged scheme that allowed him to steal at least $250,000 from an elderly woman.
According to reports, in 2023, a 74-year-old woman from Texas started getting messages on Facebook from someone who claimed to be Elon Musk. After a while, the person she was chatting with convinced her she was, in fact, corresponding with the tech billionaire. The account holder or holders began giving her promises that she would make $55 billion if she invested money in their businesses. The woman decided she would like to accept the offer, and, over time, she transferred a total of $250,000 to multiple bank accounts.
The authorities in Texas were made aware of the situation and they opened an investigation. They talked to the alleged victim’s husband, and he said his wife transferred $600,000 total for the faux investments. The police were able to trace the bank activity, and they learned that $250,000 of the money was sent to personal and business accounts held by a 56-year-old man from Bradenton, Florida. They contacted the authorities in Florida about the situation, and officers from the Bradenton Police Department went to the man’s home with a warrant.
Following his arrest, the suspect was booked into the Manatee County Jail. He is expected to face charges of felony grand theft over $100,000 for the alleged con. At the time this was written, records reflect that he remains incarcerated in lieu of a $250,000 bond. The suspect maintains he is innocent of the accusations and said that the police were led to him because he was catfished. He stated that his online girlfriend gave him $250,000. The investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.