Grandparent Scam Bust: 2 Bronx Residents Charged By Harrison PD

HARRISON, NY — A disturbing story had a happy ending of sorts this week, thanks to some dogged investigative work.

The Harrison Police Department announced on Thursday that two Bronx residents were arrested and charged with felony grand larceny 3rd degree for their roles in a grandparent scam in the Town of Harrison.

On September 15, an elderly Harrison couple was contacted over the phone by someone claiming to be their grandson and saying that he was in jail and needed money for bail after being arrested for a DWI.

Unaware that they were the targets of a scam, the couple went to their bank and withdrew $9,000 cash, believing they were helping their grandson. The two Bronx residents then came to Harrison and retrieved the $9,000 cash from the elderly couple.

The Harrison Police Department became aware of the theft later that day and began their investigation.

42-year-old Derly Marte and 35-year-old Jaime Castillo were identified as the prime suspects and were later apprehended in the Bronx. Marte was arrested on September 26, and is currently being held at the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail. Castillo was arrested on September 27 and was released on his own recognizance.

Police say that it is believed that Marte and Castillo were involved in other grandparent scams in Westchester County. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming, according to police.

SEE ALSO:

• DA Issues Warning About 'Grandparent Scams' Targeting Senior Citizens
• Cops Con Accused Conman Arrested In Connection With 'Grandparent' Scam
• New Rochelle Police Make Arrest In Connection With 'Grandparent' Scam
• Rye Police Investigate $10K 'Grandparent Scam' Over Holiday Weekend
• Pleasantville Police Warn Of New Spin On Grandparent Scam
• State Police Warning Of Grandparent Scam Making The Rounds
• 2 Accused Of Grandparent Scam
• Rockland Resident Victim Of Grandparent Scam: Ramapo Police
• Bronx Man Scams Hudson Valley Grandparents
• Another 'Granny Scam' Pickup In Ossining: Police
• Accused Grandparent Scammer Picked Up 'Bail' Money: Police
• Arrest in Scam that Took $23,000 from Harrison Resident
• Charges in $308,000 Grandparent Scam in Harrison