Pinellas Utility Scam: More Victims Come Forward

NORTH REDINGTON BEACH, FL — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is looking for help identifying several men accused of tricking their way into elderly residents’ homes by posing as water department employees. Once inside, deputies say one of the men distracts residents while the other swipes items from victims’ homes.

The scam was first reported in late April, but the sheriff’s office said on Wednesday that three more cases were reported to detectives on May 17. The crimes reportedly occurred between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day with victims in North Redington Beach, South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach.

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The suspects in the latest round of thefts are described as white or Hispanic males. They are estimated to be between the age of 25 and 35. Both men, authorities say, have short brown hair, tattoos and facial hair. They were seen driving a 2016-17 black Dodge Ram 1500 truck with chrome rims. They also rode in a newer model red sedan in one of the burglaries, the sheriff’s office said.

A similar Dodge Ram was connected with the three cases reported in late April. In those cases, the suspects told residents they were there to investigate water leaks in their homes. The initial cases were reported in Seminole and Redington Beach.

Detectives are imploring residents to not let anyone into their homes without first verifying their status of employment by first contacting their local water department or the sheriff’s office at 727-582-6200.

Anyone with information that might help lead to arrests in the case or the discovery of additional victims is asked to call Detective Weil at 727-582-6337. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-873-TIPS or by going online to www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

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