HUNTLEY, Ill. — An Elgin man is accused of running a “sweetheart scam” that defrauded a Huntley resident with an intellectual disability out of nearly $9,400 in cash and property, according to police.
Taye Sallis Lewis, 22, faces charges of theft by deception over $5,000, a Class 2 felony, and unlawful use of a weapon, court records show.
Investigators say that between Friday and Tuesday, Sallis Lewis repeatedly visited the victim’s home in a black Nissan sedan, allegedly collecting cash and automobile rims worth about $1,400. Police said he obtained information on how to access the money and property beforehand.
The case came to light when a family member reported the stolen rims to Huntley police on Monday. The following day, the victim’s family discovered that $8,000 in cash was also missing.
Police said the victim, who has a documented intellectual disability, admitted to handing over the money and rims after being blackmailed. The family told investigators that the victim had recently started communicating with someone posing as an “attractive young woman” on a dating app.
After establishing a rapport, the fake profile requested money for “living expenses” and “beauty maintenance,” with a male “courier” — later identified as Sallis Lewis — collecting the payments in person. Over several days, the victim provided thousands of dollars in cash.
On Tuesday afternoon, another handoff was arranged — but this time, police intervened. Sallis Lewis was arrested at the scene with help from the Illinois State Police. Officers found a loaded Glock handgun wedged between the driver’s seat and center console of his vehicle. While Sallis Lewis holds a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card, he does not have a concealed carry license, police said.
Authorities said more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
“We commend the family for supporting the victim and contacting police for help,” Huntley police said in a statement. “Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and embarrassment to trick victims. Reporting suspicious activity early can prevent further harm.”
Police described the case as a “sweetheart scam” — a form of romance fraud where scammers pretend to be romantically interested to gain a victim’s trust and solicit money or gifts.
Sallis Lewis appeared in McHenry County court on Wednesday before Judge Cynthia Lamb, who released him pretrial with conditions, including no contact with the victim and the surrender of his firearms and FOID card within 24 hours.
He is due back in court on October 29.
