NORTH LEBANON TOWNSHIP, PA. — A 30-year-old man from Hazelton has been arrested following a fraud scam reported by an 81-year-old grandmother, according to the North Lebanon Township Police Department.
On September 6, the elderly woman contacted police to report she had fallen victim to a scam at her Lions Lake home. She explained that a man had called her the previous day, posing as her grandson and claiming he needed bail money after being arrested.
Shortly after, a second man, who claimed to be her grandson’s legal counsel, arranged for a government courier to collect the bail money. A Hispanic male suspect later arrived at her home on September 5 and picked up a box containing $7,000 in cash.
Police identified the suspect as Juan Carlos Garcia Hernandez. On September 6, Hernandez contacted the victim again, demanding an additional $15,000 for her grandson’s legal defense. Concerned, the victim reached out to a family member, who recognized the scam and alerted the authorities.
Two officers from North Lebanon Township responded and helped the victim prepare to engage with the scammer. She told him she could only gather an additional $14,200. Plans were made for another courier to collect the funds.
With assistance from the North Cornwall Township Police Department, officers set up a perimeter around the victim’s home. At 9:15 p.m. on September 6, Hernandez returned to collect the box he believed contained the additional money.
He was arrested without incident by the officers inside the home, and additional officers found his vehicle parked outside. A search of Hernandez’s vehicle revealed evidence suggesting he may have been involved in multiple identity theft cases.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been contacted and is aiding in the investigation.
North Lebanon Township officials stated their commitment to protecting elderly residents, emphasizing their determination to pursue those who exploit them.
Hernandez faces charges of felony theft by deception, conspiracy, and theft by deception through false impression. An arraignment is scheduled for September 19 before Magisterial District Judge Kim R. Wolf.
