LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) — A Louisville pastor has confessed to scamming elderly shoppers “thousands of times,” according to police.
Virgil Mozee, pastor of The New Christian Church of Jesus Christ in Hazelwood, and his friend Nathaniel Porter III were arrested Sunday after being caught on camera stealing wallets from elderly women’s shopping carts, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) said.
“They were obviously preying on elderly females that were shopping,” said Sergeant Joe Keeling of LMPD’s Third Division.
Surveillance video reportedly shows Mozee and Porter pretending to shop before targeting victims, snatching wallets, and leaving stores without making purchases. Police said the men would then go to Walgreens or other retailers to buy gift cards, changing clothes between thefts to avoid recognition.
Investigators learned that Mozee and Porter are longtime friends who met at a gym. Mozee was arrested Sunday as he was leaving for church. Both men face charges of theft by unlawful taking, fraudulent use of credit cards, engaging in organized crime, and trafficking in financial information.
Court records show Mozee has a long criminal history dating back to 2009, including similar theft charges in 2015 in Jefferson County, where he received five years’ probation after a plea deal.
“He just let us know that he’s done it for years,” Sgt. Keeling said. “According to him, he’s done it thousands of times.”
Police have identified at least three victims and are investigating a fourth incident, but believe there may be many more who never filed reports. LMPD urges anyone who suspects they were targeted to contact the Third Division tip line at 502-574-2135.
Sgt. Keeling encouraged the public to look out for vulnerable seniors: “If you see an elderly person shopping alone, help them stay alert and protect their belongings. Society has changed, and we need to help keep them safe.”
