WAWAYANDA – State Police have arrested two men from Queens on felony charges of grand larceny and attempted and a misdemeanor of conspiracy following a report of a “grandparent/bail bond scam.”
Arrested were Clayton Barton, 64, and Hansel Barrett, 51.
A couple had received a call from someone alleging to be their grandson, stating he had been arrested and needed bail money. The victims were then put in contact with an alleged attorney who advised them that he needed $8,700 in cash to bail their grandson out of jail. They were told a courier would pick up the funds. That person arrived at their home a short time later and retrieved the cash.
Shortly after that exchange, the couple received a call from the alleged attorney saying the bail had been increased and they would need to supply an additional $13,500. That’s when the couple became suspicious and contacted their grandson who said he was fine and not under arrest.
They contacted the State Police at the Town of Wallkill Troop F headquarters and troopers waited for the suspect to return. When he did, the suspect and his accomplice were taken into custody.
Barton and Barrett were sent to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $75,000 bond.
State Police urge grandparents finding themselves in a similar situation to try to get in contact with their grandchild or their parents to confirm the status of the child before sending any money.
