South Farmingdale, New York. — A Bronx man was detained on Friday for reportedly calling an 83-year-old man on Long Island and claiming to be his grandchild in need of bail money, according to Nassau County Police.
Cristhian Ortega Rodriguez, 24, is accused of making a fraudulent phone conversation, in which he claimed to be the elder man’s grandson and had been arrested. Rodriguez allegedly informed the victim that he needed him to phone a lawyer named “Larry Hays” and hand over cash for bail.
According to police, the victim later discovered the call was a fraud and reported it to authorities.
After being alerted to the scam, officers apprehended the culprit as he attempted to pick the cash. According to police, Rodriguez resisted and refused to obey verbal directions while being arrested.
Rodriguez was charged with third-degree grand larceny and resisting arrest.
He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Saturday and pled not guilty to all charges, according to court documents.
The prosecutor demanded bail, but Rodriguez was released on non-monetary conditions, including a temporary order of protection filed against him. He is due back in court on December 2.
Detectives ask anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Rodriguez to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.