The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a scammer that took advantage of an elderly resident in the county.
The 85-year-old resident of Upshur County contacted the Sheriff after he was contacted by individuals caliming to be with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to the victim, he was told that he had outstanding warrants and needed to pay cash to avoid arrest. The man paid more than $70,000 over several days, but became suspicious when he was contacted again for more money.
The scammer was identified as 38-year-old Devang Patel of Melissa, Texas. Patel was arrested after investigators listened in on the victim's phone calls. Patel was tailed by officers after he took more money from the elderly victim at his home.
Deputies stopped Patel on State Highway 271 in north Upshur County and took him into custody.
Patel has been charged Theft over $30,000, less than $150,000 against the elderly, wich is a 2nd-degree felony in Texas.
Additionally Patel’s passport was revoked and his bond was set at $1 million.
