Two linked to elderly scam investigated in other states

By Kyle B. Hansen

Thursday, April 23, 2009 | 12:49 p.m.

The two people arrested by Metro Police in a “neighborhood assistance” scam that involved at least 11 victims are also being investigated for similar crimes in other states, authorities said today.

Rick Shawn, 43, and Judy Stevens, 42, were arrested on multiple warrants following a five-month investigation that police said took at least 1,000 man-hours.

Lt. Robert Sebby said this morning Metro learned that Shawn and Stevens were being investigated in connection with incidents in the Los Angeles and Phoenix areas after receiving similar tips here.

“We had a few scatterings of reports that came in,” Sebby said. “We learned about the other investigations in other states, and through the use of law enforcement there, found out exactly what they were doing and that’s when we started looking for victims.”

Police said Shawn and Stevens bilked tens of thousands of dollars from at least 11 elderly victims using what Sebby called “social engineering.”

The pair would gather information about each victim from neighbors and then pose as a friend of the neighbors. Once Shawn and Stevens gained the confidence of the victims, they would convince them to give money to assist a neighbor in resolving some type of non-existent situation, such as a medical or vehicle emergency.

Often, they would drive the victims to the bank and accompany them inside to withdraw money, according to Metro.

Victims gave the pair cash ranging from $2,000 to $21,000, police said.

Police received multiple tips after victims’ family members became suspicious.

Because of the nature of the scam, police believe there may be other victims they have not yet learned about.

“It could be that these people don’t know they’re victims yet,” Sebby said. “They really thought they were helping a neighbor. That’s why we’re appealing to friends and families of these people to come forward if (family members) gave money away.”

Police are asking anyone else who had contact with the man and woman to contact Metro's fraud detail at (702) 828-3285, or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.

During their alleged crime spree, Shawn used at least 24 names, six dates of birth and seven Social Security numbers, for a total of 1,008 identities, police said.

Stevens used at least 10 names, three dates of birth and nine Social Security numbers for a total of 270 possible identities, police said.

Many of the victims were taken by the two to various financial institutions and casinos to obtain funds. They drove two different vehicles to take the victims around, including a white 2002 Chevrolet Suburban LT 1500, with a gray, leather interior bearing both Arizona license plates 379-ZYE and D230S3 or a white or pearl 1997 Cadillac Concourse Deville with a white interior, bearing both Arizona license plates 379-ZYE or ADX 3416.

Metro is encouraging people to be careful when giving out money and trusting others.

“Don’t give your money away,” Sebby said. “If you are approached by somebody that you don’t know, call the police.”