A Virginia man has been arrested for allegedly scamming an elderly woman from Ohio out of more than $130,000. The arrest took place on January 31, following an investigation led by the Barberton Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.
According to a press release from the Barberton Police Department, the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Ankit Patel, was charged with felony theft from the elderly. Authorities believe Patel targeted the victim through an online scam, deceiving her into transferring a large sum of money over some time. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed further details on how Patel carried out the fraud or how long the scheme was active.
Following his arrest, Patel was also placed under an immigration detainer by the Department of Homeland Security. Officials confirmed that he is not a United States citizen, but no additional details regarding his immigration status have been released.
The case has raised concerns about the growing trend of online scams targeting elderly individuals, who are often vulnerable to fraudulent schemes promising financial security, investment opportunities, or personal connections. Law enforcement agencies continue to warn seniors and their families to remain vigilant against such scams and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
The investigation into Patel’s activities remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet provided further updates on potential additional charges or other victims involved in the case. As of now, officials have not disclosed whether Patel acted alone or as part of a larger network of scammers.
With online fraud cases on the rise, authorities urge the public to be cautious and sceptical of unsolicited online communications, especially those involving financial transactions. Victims of scams are encouraged to report incidents to local law enforcement or federal agencies to help prevent further fraudulent activities.
More information is expected to be released as the case develops. For now, Patel remains in custody, facing serious charges related to the alleged financial exploitation of an elderly victim.
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Benjamin Ford is a dedicated local journalist passionate about reporting on community news, events, politics, crime, and finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering impactful stories, he provides in-depth analysis and timely updates on issues that matter to the local audience. Benjamin enjoys engaging with the community and staying informed on emerging trends when he’s not covering the latest developments.
