Suspect Befriends Man With Autism, Steals From His Bank Account

NORTH BETHESDA, MD — Police are searching for a man who allegedly befriend an adult with autism, gained his trust over a period of time, and then fraudulently withdrew money from his bank account at a North Bethesda bank.

Detectives said the man befriended the 22-year-old male victim over a period of time. The suspect eventually asked the man for his bank account information, which he provided. He then asked to see the victim's ATM card and stole it, police said.

The suspect went to the Navy Federal Credit Union at 12244 Rockville Pike on Aug. 11 and deposited a counterfeit check written to the victim, police said. The suspect then went to the branch's ATM and used the victim's stolen bank card to withdraw $600 from the victim's account.

Police released the following surveillance videos of the suspect:

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call the Financial Crimes Section at 240-773-6330. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of this suspect. Tipsters will remain anonymous.

Photos: Montgomery County Police Department