SCAMS: Scams targeting the elderly have become an increasing concern in our county and the frequency is alarming. In fact, as I am writing this article, it is likely 2 or more of our citizens are actively being deceived and losing their hard earned money. These criminals are calculated and persistent, often targeting older adults, especially those who live alone or may not have immediate family nearby. Many of these victims are over the age of 80 but scammers will exploit anyone they believe they can manipulate.

These scams come in many forms, including phone calls, text messages, emails and social media contact. In many cases scammers promise victims that if they send a certain amount of money or purchase gift cards, they will receive a prize, often described as a large sum of cash or even a brand-new vehicle to be delivered to their home. To make these scams more believable, criminals frequently “spoof” local phone numbers so it appears the call is coming from within our community. Their tactics are designed to create urgency, excitement or fear, pressuring victims into acting quickly before they have time to verify the situation.

We encourage our residents, especially seniors and their families, to remain cautious. Never send money, provide personal information or purchase gift cards for someone you do not personally know or cannot verify. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Family members are encouraged to stay actively involved and check in regularly with their elderly loved ones. Taking time to have open conversations about phone calls, messages or financial decisions can make a significant difference and help prevent someone from becoming a victim. As a community, we must stay vigilant and look out for one another to protect our citizens from those who seek to take advantage of them.

On April 18, deputies responded to a gas station in Danville for a report of a suspect attempting to pass a counterfeit $100 bill. According to reports the suspect left the scene in a vehicle traveling eastbound on Interstate 70. During the investigation deputies identified the suspect vehicle and learned it was now in the Warrenton area. Deputies coordinated with the Warrenton Police Department, who located the vehicle, conducted a traffic stop and detained multiple occupants.

Deputies responded to the scene, conducted a search of the vehicle and located a significant amount of U.S. currency, numerous cell phones and equipment commonly used in the production of counterfeit money, including a printer, ink, paper and cutting tools. Deputies also recovered receipts from numerous businesses across Missouri and neighboring states, indicating a pattern of passing counterfeit bills at multiple locations. Evidence collected suggests the suspects passed counterfeit bills in at least 10 jurisdictions, ranging from Indiana to Missouri. Three subjects were arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with forgery and money laundering.

On April 20, deputies responded to a residence in Bellflower regarding a physical domestic disturbance. During the incident the suspect reportedly punched a female victim in the face and struck her son in the head with a large flashlight. Upon arrival deputies made contact with the victims and observed injuries consistent with their statements. The suspect had already fled the residence and was not located at that time. The suspect was located the following day, arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with domestic assault and armed criminal action.

On April 21, deputies responded to a residence in Bellflower for a domestic disturbance in which two subjects were actively fighting with each other. Through the course of the investigation and after reviewing security footage, deputies discovered both individuals had physically assaulted each other. Both subjects were arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with domestic assault.

On April 22, deputies received information that a subject with an active Montgomery County warrant for burglary was at a residence in Jonesburg. As deputies arrived they observed the subject retreat inside the residence upon seeing them. With the homeowner’s consent, deputies entered the residence and located the suspect in the basement. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to the MC Jail.

On April 23, deputies were notified of a warrant issued by the Montgomery County Court for an individual for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies located the subject in Bellflower and placed him under arrest. During a search of the subject, deputies located a bag containing 16 pills identified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which are illegal to possess without a valid prescription. The subject was arrested, transported to the MC Jail, booked on the warrant and further charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also on April 23, deputies conducted a traffic stop in Montgomery City for an equipment violation. During the course of the stop deputies discovered the driver was a convicted felon and in possession of a rifle. The driver was arrested, transported to the MC Jail and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and failure to equip a vehicle with headlamps.