Itasca County, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—A widespread grandparent scam that targeted elderly residents across Minnesota’s Iron Range has resulted in two arrests and felony charges after at least three victims were swindled out of nearly $50,000.
📌 Charged Individuals:
- Ra’Shawn Marquios Carter, 31, of Canton, Ohio – Felony theft by swindle
- Sebastian Munoz-Huertas, 24, of Freeport, Illinois – Aiding and abetting felony theft by swindle
How the Scam Worked
The scam followed a well-known pattern known as the “grandparent scam”, where fraudsters pose as a grandchild in distress, claiming to need bail money after a car accident or legal trouble. The criminals then direct victims to withdraw cash and hand it over in person to a supposed bail bondsman or lawyer.
Victim Reports & Arrests
🔹 February 3, 2025 – First Victim
- A Grand Rapids couple received a call from a man claiming to be their grandson.
- He claimed to have been jailed after a car crash and needed $17,000 for bail.
- The elderly couple followed instructions, withdrew cash, and handed it to a courier later identified as Carter.
- Later, they called their real grandson, discovering they had been scammed.
🚔 Grand Rapids police intervened when the fraudsters attempted to collect an additional $16,000 from the couple at a gas station. Officers arrested Carter, who was found in possession of multiple envelopes containing large sums of cash.
🔹 February 3, 2025 – Second Victim
- Another elderly woman in Grand Rapids received a similar call from a fake grandson and a supposed lawyer named “Richard Egan.”
- She was directed to withdraw $15,000 and turn it over.
- The victim described the bail bondsman who took the money—again, matching Carter’s description.
🔹 February 3, 2025 – Third Victim in Hibbing
- Another elderly resident received a nearly identical call from “Richard Egan.”
- She withdrew $17,200 and handed it to a suspect matching Carter’s description.
- A neighbor took a photo of Carter’s SUV, helping police confirm his involvement.
🔹 February 4, 2025 – Fourth Attempt Stopped in Cohasset
- Family members intervened when a woman was about to hand over $16,800 to scammers.
- A suspicious witness spotted a man in an SUV near the victim’s home.
- The suspect fled but was later arrested—identified as Sebastian Munoz-Huertas.
Munoz-Huertas’ Statement to Police
🚨 Munoz-Huertas, a Colombian native, told authorities that:
- He was contacted by an acquaintance in Florida to pick up a “package” in Cohasset.
- He asked if the package contained drugs but was told it was cash and he would be paid $500 for the delivery.
- He denied knowing he was part of a scam and repeatedly asked whether he would be deported.
Legal Consequences & Warnings
- Carter posted a $40,000 bond and was released with conditions.
- Munoz-Huertas remains in custody under a federal hold.
- Both men were scheduled for court appearances on Wednesday.
📢 Authorities Warn of Increased Scam Attempts
The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office warn that similar scams have occurred in Britt, Ely, and Hibbing.
🔹 How to Protect Yourself & Loved Ones:
- Verify the caller’s identity before sending money.
- Resist pressure to act quickly or keep the matter secret.
- Hang up and contact law enforcement immediately.
- Report scams to 911 or the sheriff’s office.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me
🚨 Second Suspect Charged in Grand Rapids Elderly Swindle Case: Sebastian Munoz-Huertas Arrested 🚨