Arrest and Charges
Tejas Kumar Patel, a 21-year-old from Chicago, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of grand theft.
Scam Details
Patel allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer to scam elderly victims. In May, he convinced an elderly man in Martin County to pay him $150,000 in gold bars to clear fake arrest warrants. Patel used pictures of what appeared to be legitimate identification to carry out the scam.
Discovery and Arrest
After the elderly victim handed over the gold bars, he realized it was a scam and reported Patel to deputies. When Patel called the victim again for more gold bars, deputies were waiting and arrested him. They used fish weights in place of gold bars during the sting operation.
Additional Victims
Deputies found more gold bars worth $240,000 in Patel’s car, linked to another victim in Saint Lucie County. Investigators believe there are more victims and suspects involved in similar scams on the Treasure Coast.
Official Statements
Sheriff William Snyder emphasized that law enforcement and federal agencies never demand money over the phone or in person. He urged anyone who believes they are a victim to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Ongoing Investigation
Federal authorities are continuing the investigation, and further arrests are expected as more victims come forward.
