OXFORD, N.C. (WNCN) — An Oxford, North Carolina man is facing felony charges in Florida after authorities say he scammed a 70-year-old woman out of nearly $60,000 in a romance fraud scheme.
Cory Woodall has been extradited to Volusia County, Florida, where he faces charges of organized fraud and grand theft. According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the scam began when the victim received an email about a wounded military dog. Soon after, Woodall contacted her while pretending to be a retired Army general stranded overseas who needed financial help to return to the U.S.
Believing the story, the woman sent $30,000 in gift cards to Woodall’s address in Granville County and eventually sent close to $60,000 in total, including cryptocurrency transfers.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the case stands out because the victim insisted on confronting her alleged scammer face-to-face. A video released by the sheriff’s office shows the emotional moment when she confronted Woodall.
“You’re not looking at me,” the woman said to him during the meeting.
“This is the only victim who said, ‘No, I want to look in this person’s eyes. I want him to know what he did and what I look like,’” said Chitwood.
Woodall reportedly tried to outsmart investigators by reporting the envelope used to deliver the gift cards as part of a scam—after he had already spent the money. Authorities believe his girlfriend may also be connected to a wider money laundering scheme tied to the fraud.
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office arrested Woodall last month before his transfer to Florida.
“He thought he was scamming the scammer, but he ended up scamming himself right into jail,” Chitwood added.
Woodall remains in custody as investigations continue.
