Two men accused of defrauding a Petersburg resident in a $100,000 phone scam have pleaded guilty to federal theft charges. One has been released, while the other awaits sentencing in November.
On June 9, FBI agents and Petersburg police arrested Shubham Patel, 24, and Harshilkumar Patel, 22, in connection with a complex phone scam that targeted an elderly resident. Investigators say the victim was deceived by a caller posing as a federal agent named “Sean Watson,” who falsely claimed she was under investigation for drug trafficking. The scammer convinced her to wire $80,000, claiming it was needed to clear her name.
Further investigation linked Shubham and a third suspect, Utkarsh Mishra, 28, to large purchases of gift cards and money orders in May—around the time the first $50,000 cash handoff occurred in Petersburg. When the victim was later told to deliver another $60,000, the FBI set up a sting operation, leading to the arrests of both Patels during the exchange.
Harshilkumar Patel told authorities he was recruited by Shubham shortly before traveling to Alaska and claimed he was unaware of the full nature of the scheme. Judge Katherine Lybrand, who presides over the case, noted during Harshilkumar’s October 1 hearing that although he may have been naïve, he still played a role in the crime.
Harshilkumar pleaded guilty to attempted theft in the first degree on his 23rd birthday. His fraud charge was dismissed, and he was sentenced to 170 days, including time served. He has since been released, and prosecutors have 90 days to request restitution.
Shubham Patel pleaded guilty on October 22 to theft and attempted theft charges. His sentencing is scheduled for late November, with a possible sentence of up to 364 days. The plea deal includes $50,000 in restitution to the victim. Shubham remains in custody in Juneau pending sentencing.
Both men are Indian nationals and unrelated. Their guilty pleas could carry immigration consequences, including potential deportation and ineligibility for U.S. naturalization.
Meanwhile, the third suspect, Utkarsh Mishra, remains at large under a $50,000 warrant.
The FBI encourages residents to visit its website for resources on recognizing and avoiding scams.
