Police handcuffs and criminal fingerprints card

MIDDLETOWN, Del. — Middletown Police arrested a 24-year-old Canadian man on September 3 for his involvement in a felony theft scam in which he posed as a bail bonds agent to steal money from a local resident.

Alan Labranche-Bolic, of Quebec, Canada, is accused of participating in a scheme where a victim was deceived into believing their daughter had been arrested and that a fake attorney, named “James St. Patrick,” would handle the bail arrangements. The victim was instructed to pay $20,000 as the first installment of the bail.

Labranche-Bolic, posing as a bail bonds agent, arrived at the victim’s home and collected the money. Later that day, the victim was contacted again and asked for an additional $30,000. Middletown Police set up a sting operation and arrested Labranche-Bolic when he returned for the second payment, recovering the initial $20,000.

Labranche-Bolic faces multiple charges, including felony theft, attempted theft over $1,500 from a senior, and conspiracy. He is being held at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $24,000 cash bail.

Authorities are urging residents to be cautious of similar scams and to contact local law enforcement before making any payments in such situations.

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