MIDDLETOWN, Del. — On September 3, Middletown Police arrested 24-year-old Alan Labranche-Bolic from Quebec, Canada, for his involvement in a felony theft scam. Labranche-Bolic allegedly posed as a bail bonds agent to defraud a local resident out of money.
According to police, the victim was tricked into believing their daughter had been arrested and that a fake attorney named “James St. Patrick” would arrange bail. The victim was instructed to pay $20,000 as the initial bail installment.
Labranche-Bolic collected the money from the victim at their home. Later that same day, he contacted the victim again, requesting an additional $30,000. However, Middletown Police had set up a sting operation and arrested him when he returned for the second payment, recovering the initial $20,000.
Labranche-Bolic faces multiple charges, including felony theft, attempted theft over $1,500 from a senior citizen, and conspiracy. He is currently held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $24,000 cash bail.
Authorities are warning residents to be vigilant about similar scams and to contact local law enforcement before making any payments in such situations.