Providence Man Sentenced For Scamming Seniors In MA, RI

LITTLE COMPTON, RI — A Providence man who played a key role in a scam that victimized more than a dozen seniors in Rhode Island and Massachusetts was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha said Friday.

Vidal Roquez, 39, previously admitted in federal court that he visited the homes of "grandparent scam victims" in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to collect cash from them after they were convinced by co-conspirators that a relative, usually a grandchild or child, had been arrested, and the money was needed for bail. Some victims were told that a “gag order” was in place on their relative’s legal matter, and they were prohibited from sharing information with anyone else.

The investigation identified 13 seniors that were victimized by Roquez. He was arrested after a failed attempt to defraud a senior in Little Compton, prosecutors said.

Roquez pleaded on Dec. 14, 2023, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. After his prison sentence, Roquez must serve three years of probation, serve 60 hours of community service, and pay $130,300 in restitution.

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