A.G. Underwood and State Police Superintendent Beach Announce Takedown of Telephone Extortion Ring
Attorney General
"As we allege, the defendants engaged in a shameful scheme to terrorize and rob New Yorkers," said Attorney General Underwood. "Today's takedown should send an unmistakable message to those who seek to extort New Yorkers: you will not get away with it."
"Our investigation uncovered a ruthless scheme designed to extort money from the victims through fear and intimidation, and this type of criminal activity simply will not be tolerated. I commend our Special Investigations Unit and our partners at the
The investigation has identified over 55 victims of this scheme, not only in
This case was the result of a joint investigation by the
According to the indictment filed in
As further set forth in the indictment and based on statements made by prosecutors, some victims were allegedly directed to pay the ransom money by following a series of instructions to deliver the money to specific locations, some in the vicinity of Westcott and East
After paying the ransom money, victims were allegedly directed to area hospitals to pick up their relatives, only to learn that they were the victims of an elaborate and terrifying hoax, and that their relatives had never been in car accidents or abducted.
The Attorney General's indictment charges the defendants with the following crimes related to five victims of the alleged extortion scheme: alleged ringleader Ayala-Rodriguez is charged with three counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, three counts of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, three counts of Coercion in the First Degree, and one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. Jimenez-Correa is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, two counts of Coercion in the First Degree, and one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. Gonzalez-Rivera is charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, one count of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, one count of Coercion in the First Degree, and one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree.
Alleged ringleader Ayala-Rodriguez was apprehended last Friday in the
If convicted of all counts charged, Ayala-Rodriguez and Jimenez-Correa face up to 10 to 20 years in prison; Gonzalez-Rivera faces up to 7 1/3 to 20 years in prison.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The NYSP and OAG investigation of additional crimes is ongoing. Any
Attorney General Underwood reminds New Yorkers of the following tips to avoid falling victim to this type of extortion scheme:
If the caller is a stranger, be alert. Be aware that this type of extortion scam depends on fear. The scammer knows they need to work quickly to obtain your money because you may try to take steps, even while on the phone with the scammer, to figure out if your relative is in actual danger. Scammers will try to keep you on the line.
Never give out personal information to a stranger on the phone.
Never wire money through
Never purchase gift or money cards for the purpose of providing the gift card numbers to someone else.
Immediately contact the police if you get a call like the ones described here.
The Attorney General's investigation was conducted by Investigator
The criminal case is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General
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