State College police say a New York man is behind bars after he was arrested for his alleged role in a scam that targeted a local senior citizen.
According to the affidavit, police say the victim claimed that she received a call from an unknown male telling her that her grandson was in the hospital and needed $25,000 for legal fees.
Authorities say the woman reportedly withdrew the money and followed the caller’s “specific instructions” to package the cash.
Police say an unidentified man then allegedly showed up at her home to pick up the package.
Investigators say the next day, the victim reportedly received another call, from the same man, demanding an additional $9,875.
Police say the woman then reported the call to police, who instructed her to “go along” with the caller’s instructions while they surveilled the area near her residence.
Investigators say the victim waited with a “bait package” which was picked up by a Hispanic male, later identified as 41-year-old Felix Martinez.
Police say officers then conducted a traffic stop of Martinez, after he picked up the package, and placed him in custody.
According to the affidavit, Martinez reportedly told police that he was instructed to pick up the package by a friend named “Victor Rosario,” who reportedly lives in the Dominican Republic.
Martinez is being housed at the Centre County Prison, according to court records, on theft and other related charges.
His bail has been set at $100,000.
