Two people who allegedly scammed elderly women in Athens, Alabama, are in custody today after a tip from a truck driver led to their arrest.
Pair Stole Thousands of Dollars from Athen’s Residents
According to Athens police, the alleged scammers are 23-year-old Jade Nicole Lovell and 24-year-oldRobbie Shane Stanley. Posing as a roofing company, they are believed to have stolen three watches worth $850 from an elderly victim on Wednesday. The victim said that the pair came to her house and offered to repair her roof. The victim said she stayed outside talking to Lovell while Stanely walked around and into her home.
On Saturday, the pair are alleged to have pulled off a similar stunt. Claiming to be from a lawn care company, they approached an elderly woman in her home, distracting her and making off with $1,575 in bracelets, cash, and wallet content.
Both victims reported that the scammers drove a black pickup truck.
Truck Driver Alerts Police
A truck driver spotted Lovell acting suspiciously in the parking lot behind a Hardee’s on U.S. 72 on Sunday. He also saw her throwing a purse into a dumpster before getting into a black pickup and leaving. The truck driver was able to get the license plate number on the vehicle. He called Athens police, who spotted the truck 20 minutes later. Both of the alleged scammers were in the vehicle and were subsequently arrested.
Police Thank Truck Driver
Police estimate that they were able to recover and return 90% of the stolen property.
Athens police chief Floyd Johnson said, “I want to thank the truck driver that took time from his busy day and called the police department to report suspicious activity. In part his actions helped two of our citizens sleep better last night and two criminals go to jail.”
Sources:
WAAY TV
News Courier
Alabama.com