Georgia Con Man Posing as U.S. Marshal Sent to Federal Prison for Brazen Scam
A Georgia man who impersonated a U.S. Marshal to scam victims out of thousands has been sentenced to federal prison. đ #News #GwinnettCountyGA #Georgia #Crime
GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – In the searing heat of a parking lot, a frightened woman clutched $14,000 in cash, desperate to avoid the arrest she believed was imminent. She had no idea the man who stood before her, claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, was nothing more than a con artist orchestrating a cruel hoax. Moments later, her money vanished into his hands, part of an elaborate scam that would soon unravel.
Authorities revealed that Charmmorro Vijay Strothers, a 31-year-old Georgia man, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his role in this fraudulent scheme.
Strothers posed as a U.S. Marshal to trick multiple victims, ultimately netting nearly $85,945 through deceit and fear. Along with his prison sentence, he has been ordered to pay restitution for the damages caused.
The Beginning of the Scam
The events started to unfold on August 13, 2023, when Strothers rented a car at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Over the next few days, he traveled to Yakima, Washington, where the scam began.
Strothersâ accomplice first contacted the victim, telling her she had an active warrant for her arrest. Fearful of legal repercussions, she followed the instructions and met Strothers in the parking lot across from a bail bond agency. He provided a handwritten receipt for the cash she handed over, complete with a fake case number.
Days later, Strothers and his accomplices struck again. The victim received another call, this time demanding $25,000 to avoid further legal trouble. Sensing something was amiss, she asked for identification.
Strothers dismissed the request, claiming his status as a U.S. Marshal prevented him from showing ID. Despite her doubts, the woman complied, handing over the money to him for the second time.
Larger Scheme Uncovered
Strothersâ fraudulent activities didnât stop in Yakima. Another victim, alarmed by calls claiming she had failed to appear as a witness, was pressured into withdrawing $44,000.
The caller even manipulated her by making it appear the calls were coming from the local Puyallup Police Department. Though skeptical, she handed over the money in a parking lot in Tacoma, where Strothers provided another fake receipt.
It wasn’t long before authorities pieced together the scam. On August 18, 2023, Strothers was arrested at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. When law enforcement searched his belongings, they found evidence tying him directly to the fraud, including a receipt booklet and $59,000 in cash.
Though Strothers attempted to exploit his victimsâ fears, he now faces years behind bars and a financial reckoning. His sentence includes three years of supervised release following his imprisonment, and he has been ordered to pay full restitution to his victims.
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So I’m guessing these morons had reason to believe there were active warrants. Oh well, sounds like a self cleaning oven
Hi Greek Streak! Yeah, I wondered that myself. Hehe. Thanks for reading! – Jack (and Kitty)