[Skip to Content]
Dispatch Non-Emergency 325.657.4315

SAPD Warns Citizens of Scammers, Thieves Targeting Local Elderly

San Angelo Police need the public’s help in getting the word out about scammers and thieves that appear to be targeting elderly citizens with a fake-jewelry scam and theft. 

On September 12, 2018, an 87-year-old San Angelo man was approached in his driveway by a Hispanic woman that engaged him in conversation and put jewelry on his hand.  When the woman left, the man noticed his own ring, a 1954 Naval Academy graduation ring, was missing from his finger.  The woman was described as being in her mid-thirties to mid-forties with shoulder length brown hair, 5’5” – 5’7”, with a stocky build.  The vehicle was described as a black colored, newer-modeled Ford SUV (Possibly 2017 or 2018).  The driver was believed to be a Hispanic male (no further description).   

The stolen ring has a ruby inset and a unique crest along with the victim’s name and 1954 inscribed inside the band.  The victim’s last name is Powell. (See photo of crest)  

This afternoon, Detectives with the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division obtained surveillance video of the female suspect at the Neighborhood Walmart on Knickerbocker, confirming she was driving a black 2018 Ford Expedition bearing Texas license plate JTV4343.  The vehicle was recently rented out of the Midland/Odessa area. 

Investigators believe the suspects chose this location to pick their victim and followed him home to complete the scam/theft.  Photos of the vehicle and suspect are attached.   

In another report, a second elderly man was approached by a Hispanic male and female in a black SUV.  The woman tried to sell jewelry to the potential victim, stating her family needed money for food but the potential victim did not fall for it.

The Criminal investigations Division is urging San Angelo citizens to contact police if they are approached by anyone trying to sell jewelry or other items that appear to be of value for low prices.  Investigators suspect the team of thieves may be a family as the suspect was seen with juveniles.  

If you have any information about the suspect(s) identities or whereabouts, please contact Detective Noel Anderson at (325) 659-8012.  To remain anonymous, tip online at http://bit.ly/SAPDTips247 or by text: text TIP SAPD to 888777 and follow the prompts. 

Please share this alert, especially with members of our aging community, so we can protect them from these scammers.

    

###