In Coweta County, Georgia, investigators have made an arrest in connection with a widespread jury duty scam that has targeted numerous residents across metro Atlanta. The scam, which has been a concern for law enforcement agencies for some time, involves a phone call from someone impersonating a police officer. The caller claims the victim missed jury duty and demands a large fine or threatens arrest if the victim doesn’t pay.
In this case, the scammer posed as a real sergeant from the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. He called a 62-year-old woman and told her that she had failed to show up for jury duty and needed to pay $1,355 or face arrest. Fearing for her safety, the woman sent the money.
After numerous warnings from police departments about this scam, Coweta County investigators finally made a breakthrough. They arrested 43-year-old Robert Allen of Stone Mountain and charged him with felony theft by extortion.
“It really set panic into her at first. When someone answers the phone and they say they have a warrant for your arrest, no one wants to go to jail,” said Investigator Chris Stapler of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. “So, it’s like, ‘Hey, let’s send this and hope it goes away.’”
Authorities emphasize that no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever ask you to make a payment to avoid arrest. If an arrest warrant is issued, officers will show up at your door in person, not call you to demand money.
While the scam has been a major issue in the past, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office reports that more and more residents are becoming aware of the scam. Many are now reporting incidents where they were contacted but did not fall victim to the fraud.