Man scammed elderly out of more than $160K in North Alabama, police say

An Alabama man faces charges after police say he scammed elderly victims out more than $160,000.

Detectives with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama began an investigation over the last month with other law enforcement agencies over several scams via the telephone.

A person called to say they were a lawyer representing a family member in need of money for bail or legal fees, according to the sheriff’s office. The callers would say there was a gag order in place, so the victim couldn’t contact anyone else.

The callers requested tens of thousands of dollars from each victim, according to the sheriff’s office.

The callers said they would send someone to the home to pick it up, the sheriff’s office noted. The caller even called back and say the gag order was violated and additional funds were needed.

Police say the callers used prepaid phones and couriers or ride-shares to coordinate picking up the money.

This week, deputies arrested Kino Denadre Roper, 26, in connection to the scam. He now faces multiple felony counts, police said. He is being held in an Alabama jail on $90,000 bond.

Investigators said there is a second suspect in the case.

Police say they have recovered about $166,000 in cash in connection to the case.

“We take crimes against the elderly serious here in Madison County. These scams have left citizens financially and emotionally devastated and we are committed to investigating, locating, and prosecuting those individuals who take part in such schemes that target and prey on our elderly. I want to personally thank the men and women who worked tirelessly to bring this individual to justice,” Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner said.