MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. – A Georgia man has been arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer and scamming a victim out of $3,500, authorities said.
Marcus Brashear, 28, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was charged with first-degree theft by deception and impersonating a peace officer, according to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Scam Details
Authorities say that on July 30, 2024, a victim in Marshall County, Alabama, received a phone call from Brashear, who falsely claimed to be a deputy with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Brashear allegedly told the victim that they had failed to appear in federal court and faced immediate arrest unless they paid $5,000. Under pressure, the victim sent $3,500 via Zelle. Brashear also provided PayPal and Apple Pay as payment options, but further attempts to send money were unsuccessful before the call disconnected.
Authorities later confirmed that Brashear spoofed the sheriff’s office phone number, making it appear on the victim’s caller ID.
Victim Learns of the Scam
Suspicious, the victim contacted the real Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and was informed that the call was fraudulent.
Sheriff Phil Sims issued a warning:
“These scams have become more common over the last 12 months. Law enforcement will NEVER call demanding cash payments to avoid arrest. If we truly have a warrant for your arrest, you will know when we find you.”
Arrest & Charges
Brashear was arrested and booked into the Marshall County Jail, where he is being held on a $50,000 property bond and a $5,000 cash bond.
