3 Arrested For Allegedly Duping Elderly Woman Out Of $34K In Cash, Jewelry
TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Three people were arrested last week for allegedly scamming a 67-year-old woman out of $34,000 in cash and jewelry, according to Torrance police.
Arthur Howard, 59, of Westminster, Antionette Armstrong, 53, of Seattle, Washington, and Cassaundra Green, 49, of Burien, Washington, were all taken into custody Thursday in Hawthorne in connection to the July 19 scam at a Torrance 99 Cent store. The trio was initially charged with felony grand theft, as well as elder abuse and conspiracy.
Police said the suspects would commonly befriend a stranger in a public place and advise them that they have received a lucrative inheritance. In order to receive the money, however, the victims needed to make a sizable donation to two anonymous individuals. The suspects would then ask for "good faith" money upfront, but when they received the cash from the victim, they would leave the area.
Detectives believe the culprits are responsible for several similar incidents in the area over the past five years.
Anyone with information on the suspects was encouraged to contact the Torrance Police Department Detective Division at (310) 618-5571.
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