Colonie – On May 13, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the Colonie Police Department responded to a residence for a report of a possible scam. A resident was attempting to dispute an online purchase through Etsy when a male suspect, identifying himself as “Patrick” from the Federal Trade Commission, informed her she was a victim of identity theft. He advised her to withdraw approximately $40,000 from her bank accounts and hand it over to him for safekeeping.
Realizing it might be a scam, the victim contacted family members who urged her to notify the Colonie Police. Officers assisted her in continuing the conversation with “Patrick” and arranged for him to collect the money. When Dhruv P. Patel, 33, of Franklin Park, NJ, arrived to retrieve the funds, police took him into custody. The resident did not suffer any financial loss.
Patel faces charges of attempted grand larceny in the third degree, classified as a felony, a hate crime based on the victim’s age, and scheme to defraud in the second degree, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned in the Colonie Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
The Colonie Police Department commended the vigilant resident for recognizing the scam and encourages families to discuss these increasingly complex fraud attempts targeting the elderly. They advise residents not to disclose personal information or make financial arrangements over the phone. More resources can be found on their website.
In addition to the scam incident, multiple arrests took place over recent days:
- Warrant Arrest: Michael Cruz, 24, of Albany, was arrested by Schenectady police on May 8. He had an outstanding warrant from Colonie for missing court in December.
- Larceny Arrest: Geoffrey Albright, 35, of Ravena, was taken into custody at Target on May 8 for larceny and for an outstanding warrant from Colonie for missing court in March.
- Domestic Violence Arrest: Devin Hoagland, 24, was arrested on May 9 during a domestic dispute on Sand Creek Road. He faces felony charges of criminal mischief and strangulation, along with misdemeanors.
- DWI Arrest: A 46-year-old Johnstown man was arrested for aggravated DWI on May 8 after exhibiting signs of intoxication while parked in a vehicle.
- Robbery Arrests: Brice Simmons, 25, and Maria Peterson, 19, were arrested at a Days Inn on May 8 for robbery and conspiracy charges.
- Larceny Arrests: Antonio Wright, 36, of Albany, was arrested on May 9 at a Marshall’s store for petit larceny and resisting arrest.
- Warrant Arrests: Milo Martinez, 32, of Rotterdam, was arrested for driving with a suspended permit and having an outstanding warrant on May 12.
- Robbery and Warrant: Damir Willis, 27, of Albany, was arrested on May 13 for a robbery incident at Lids and had an outstanding warrant.
- Thefts: Courtney Worrock, 26, of Middleburgh, was charged with ten larcenies across various stores after failing to appear in court previously.
Colonie Police urge anyone with information related to these cases to contact their department or report anonymously through Capital Region Crimestoppers.
