WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Ra’Shawn Carter, a 31-year-old man from Canton, Ohio, has been arrested and charged with felony theft by swindle after allegedly scamming nearly $50,000 from elderly victims in Minnesota.
According to the criminal complaint, Carter targeted three individuals—two in Itasca County and one in St. Louis County. The scams involved Carter calling elderly victims, posing as a family member in need of bail money. He convinced a Grand Rapids couple to send $17,000 in cash after claiming their grandson had been arrested. When the couple realized they had been scammed, they contacted their real grandson, prompting Carter to call again for even more money.
Authorities set up surveillance and arrested Carter. A search of his vehicle uncovered cash and envelopes with victims’ names. Additional victims reported similar scams: another couple from Grand Rapids lost $15,000, and a Hibbing woman was scammed out of $17,200. The total amount stolen was $49,200.
Carter is currently being held at the Itasca County Jail and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 12.
