A man accused of stealing more than $200,000 from a 94-year-old woman in Minden received a maximum prison sentence of 8 to 20 years on Tuesday.
The elderly victim said Minglong Chen threatened her and her family to keep her from revealing that she was providing him money. As a result, $89,000 was transferred from her bank account, $15,500 in gift cards were taken, and $96,000 in cash was stolen under pressure from Chen.
These thefts shattered her sense of security and peace at home, leaving her living in fear.
“I’ve been living in fear,” she said. “My life was threatened. Members of my life have been threatened. I was told I couldn’t talk to friends, can’t talk to family members. I live in fear every day of my life that someone will come to my door.”
Although Chen used a translator during Tuesday’s sentencing, the victim said he spoke and understood English when threatening her.
District Judge Tod Young handed down the harsh sentence, calling Chen’s behavior “disgusting” and dismissing any hope Chen would pay restitution while on probation.
“You chose to injure a person who dedicated her life to the service of others,” Young said.
Chen pleaded for probation through a Mandarin translator, expressing remorse and asking for another chance to live decently.
Reno attorney Joey Gilbert, representing Chen, stressed that his client took full responsibility and had no prior criminal record, though Chen has an immigration hold.
Prosecutor Jim Sibley highlighted that Chen had been in the U.S. illegally for less than two years and was aware of the illegal nature of his actions.
Chen was credited for 303 days served in custody since his arrest on September 9, 2024.
Chen is the first of several Mandarin speakers facing charges related to thefts connected to online scams.
Other suspects include Cindy Yaohua Guo, arrested for stealing $18,000 from an elderly Gardnerville Ranchos resident, and Zhu Ping Ge, who remains at large with a $50,000 warrant.
Two men from California arrested in May are awaiting hearings, along with a San Francisco man due in court in August.
Authorities warn residents to avoid responding to suspicious texts or emails to prevent becoming victims of scams. In May, some Greater Nevada Credit Union customers faced fraudulent charges linked to TikTok promotions.
If you notice unusual charges, contact your financial institution directly and avoid calling numbers listed on suspicious charges.
