Prince William County Woman Scammed Out Of $130K, 2 People Charged

DALE CITY, VA — Two people are facing charges in a scam investigation that took $130,000 from a victim in Prince William County, according to police.

The scam happened in the 22193 Dale City ZIP code in March 2024. Police say an unknown man contacted the victim, a 77-year-old woman, and claimed she won a large amount of money and a car. The man told the victim she had to pay fees to collect prize winnings. Over several months, the victim had multiple conversations with the two suspects, who convinced her to send funds.

The victim opened multiple bank accounts and provided debit cards to the two suspects, police say. In addition, the victim obtained money orders and tried to buy a vehicle. The suspects took more than $130,000 from the victim over several months.

The scam led to an investigation involving the Prince William County Adult Protective Service, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Homeland Security Investigations, US Postal Service, and the Major Organized Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency. Detectives obtained warrants for the two suspects, Darien Deventon Smith, 31, and Sheniece Elaine Smith, 32, to charge them with obtaining money by false pretenses and conspiracy to commit a felony. The suspects were located in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Feb. 28.