Identification of Suspects Needed in Aspen Hill Confidence Scheme

[Howard Hartman]

	DEPARTMENT OF POLICE MEDIA SERVICES DIVISION 2350 RESEARCH BOULEVARD ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850-3294
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 3, 2012	FOR MORE INFORMATION:                         Media Services Division, 240-773-5030

Identification of Suspects Needed
in Aspen Hill Confidence Scheme

The Montgomery County Police Department 4th District Property Crimes Unit is investigating a confidence scheme that occurred on January 10 in the Aspen Hill Shopping Center. Today, investigators are releasing photographs of one of the suspects involved in this scheme and are asking for the public’s help in identifying these suspects. Police also believe that there may be additional victims who have not called to report these thefts.

On January 10, 2012 at approximately 1:31 p.m., a citizen flagged down an officer in the parking lot of the Capital One Bank located at 13641 Connecticut Avenue for a report of a theft. The 49-year-old, female victim reported to the police that as she was walking to her vehicle from the bank, she was approached by the first suspect. The first, male suspect had a bag of cash and asked if the bag belonged to the victim. The second, female suspect then approached the victim and stated that she needed money for a car payment. The second suspect also stated that she could help the victim, although she did not elaborate on this statement. During the conversation, the victim entered her vehicle. One of the suspects was able to distract the victim while the other suspect reached into the back of the vehicle and was able to obtain cash from the victim’s purse.

The suspects then convinced the victim to withdraw cash from the Capital One Bank. The second suspect accompanied the victim into the bank. After exiting the bank, the victim gave the money to the first suspect and was told by him to meet the second suspect at the Giant supermarket located at 13781 Connecticut Avenue. The first suspect stated that the second suspect would give the victim other cash as a replacement. When the victim walked to the Giant, she could not locate the second suspect and the two suspects were never seen again by the victim. The suspects were able to obtain approximately $2,000 from this victim.

Suspects Still at Large

The first suspect is described as a black male, approximately 20 to 30 years old, 5’07” to 5’09”, with a heavy build and white hair. He was wearing a suit. The second suspect, shown in the bank surveillance photographs, is described as a black female, 5’06” to 5’09”, with a heavy build and possibly wearing a wig. The female was also well dressed.

Suspects who participate in these confidence games are often smart, persuasive, and aggressive. These suspects hope to confuse and overwhelm victims and convince victims that there is a sense of urgency to make quick decisions. The Montgomery County Police Department is concerned that there may be additional victims of these suspects’ scheme. If someone believes that he/she may have been a victim or has information regarding these suspects, please call the Property Crimes Unit of the 4th District Station at 240-773-5500. Callers who have tips may remain anonymous.

13641 Connecticut Avenue in Aspen Hill

Surveillance Photos