A multi-state fraud investigation ended this weekend when deputies arrested a Tennessee man accused of trying to steal cash from an Izard County resident through an elaborate phone-based scam.
According to Izard County Sheriff Charley Melton, Darren James Burton, 30, of Clarksville, Tennessee — formerly of Jacksonville, Alabama; Hollywood, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona — was arrested Nov. 23 and is being held in the Izard County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
Melton is charged in Izard County Circuit Court with criminal attempt–theft by deception involving property valued under $25,000; unlawful use of a communication device; criminal attempt–abuse of an endangered or impaired person; and unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime.
The investigation began after a resident reported receiving a mobile alert indicating a large unauthorized withdrawal from their bank account. The resident then received repeated phone calls from an unknown person who directed them to place a specific amount of cash into a box, wrap it in a particular way, label it with certain information, and leave it on their porch for pickup, authorities said.
Deputies monitored the scam over several days, working with the resident while tracking the calls and instructions. On Nov. 22, a ride-share driver arrived at the victim’s home to retrieve the package. Deputies detained and questioned the driver, who told investigators he had been hired to deliver the box to a hotel in Searcy.
The Izard County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the White County Sheriff’s Office to arrange a controlled delivery at the hotel. When Burton arrived to collect the package on Nov. 23, he fled from officers but was caught shortly afterward and taken into custody.
“This is an excellent example of community policing,” Sheriff Charley Melton said. “A vigilant citizen reported the scam and worked closely with the sheriff’s office. With cooperation from other law enforcement agencies, we were able to achieve a positive outcome.”
Melton thanked the White County Sheriff’s Office and Searcy Police Department for their assistance.
Residents who receive suspicious or potentially fraudulent communications are urged to contact the Izard County Sheriff’s Office at 870-368-4203.
Image via Izard County Sheriff’s Office
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