ณาฐฟฑทดดกณขทกณงฬโ Ascension Parish sheriff's deputies are looking for a Baton Rouge man and two others for their alleged roles in a scam in which a man posed as a religious figure to swindle people of thousands of dollars.
Sheriff Bobby Webre said in statement that the man has been calling parish residents posing as a well-known pastor in Ascension Parish, asking for a short-term loan and then meeting up with them to take the money.
Detectives are seeking the public's help in findingย Kelvin Scott, 53, who they believe posed as the pastor in the telephone scam, sheriff's deputies said.
Detectives have uncovered at least two incidents in which people were called and gave a combined $11,000, approximately, according to Webre's office. Other incidents were reported in which residents ended up not giving their money, deputies said.
The sheriff's Financial Crimes Unit began investigating the scam in early February and detectives have learned that two others were also involved with Scott, another man and a woman, Webre said.
Deputies said that the man and woman, whose identities have not yet been established, played a role, in setting up the meetings between Scott and his victims to deliver the money. The scammers asked for cash, deputies said.ย
Anyone with information should call the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office at (225) 621-4636 or text 847411 to the sheriff's anonymous tip line from any cellular device.
Callers can also offer tips to Greater Baton Rouge Crime Stoppers at (225) 344-STOP (7868). To be eligible for a cash reward, callers must contact Crime Stoppers immediately.