BELL ACRES, PA – A Bell Acres man was scammed out of $14,000 in bail scam that was perpetrated by a Florida resident.
According to the Allegheny County Police Department, a collaborative effort involving local law enforcement and department detectives led to the identification and arrest of Siul Nomar Perez-Hernandez, 32, of Miami, Florida on Wednesday.
Police reported on Tuesday, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Bell Acres officers responded to the 1600 block of Big Sewickley Creek Road in reference to a fraud report. Officers spoke with the 58-year-old victim who reported that they were defrauded out of $14,000 in US currency. The victim stated that they had received calls from a “John McCarthy” on the morning of June 21, 2022. “McCarthy” stated that he was an attorney for an acquaintance of the victim and that the acquaintance was placed under arrest following a vehicle accident.
“Moments later a “Steve Young” called and told the victim that he was sending out a courier to pick up the money due to covid protocols. “Young” remained on the phone with the victim until his courier, arrived at the residence,” police said. “The victim described the courier to be a male Hispanic, approximately 5’6” in height with a slender build who spoke in broken English. The courier approached the residence, and the victim handed the courier the sum of $14,000 in cash.”
“With the assistance of Ohio Township Police, Bell Acres Police were able to identify the suspect vehicle as a red 2019 Nissan Sentra registered to Siul Nomar Perez-Hernandez. A BOLO was put out for the vehicle. Ross Township Police located the vehicle and suspect in the late evening hours of June 21, 2022 at the Red Roof Inn on McKnight Road in Ross Township,” police reported. “Perez-Hernandez was identified as the suspect and transported to Allegheny County Police headquarters for questioning. Search warrants were obtained for the vehicle and hotel room. Perez-Hernandez was transported to the Allegheny County Jail, where he is currently awaiting arraignment. Most of the victim’s money was recovered in the hotel room rented by Perez-Hernandez.”