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Councilmember praises sheriff’s office sting that led to arrest in elder scam targeting Ashford resident
Summary
Councilmember Morrell recounted a Pierce County Sheriff’s Office sting operation that intercepted a courier and arrested suspects attempting to collect tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly Ashford resident targeted by an advance-fee scam.
At the Jan. 28, 2025 Pierce County Council meeting, Councilmember Morrell praised the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for a sting operation that stopped a scam targeting a 71-year-old woman in the Ashford area.
Morrell said the victim was contacted by persons claiming to be with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and was coaxed into withdrawing money. Deputies were alerted, set up a sting and intercepted a courier who went to collect what the suspects believed was $25,000. Morrell said the courier was arrested and that the sheriff’s office recovered funds instead of allowing the transfer.
Morrell described the case as part of an active investigation and said investigators believe the incident is not isolated. He thanked the sheriff’s deputies for their work, calling it “a great job” that prevented further loss to the victim.
No formal council action was taken; Morrell’s remarks were recognition of law-enforcement work and a notification to the public that the case remained under investigation.
