DSP News Release:  Money Scam Advisory 

Location:

• 22000 block Angola Road West Lewes, De

DATE and TIME:  

• Tuesday July 19

Victim(s):

• 72 year old Wilmington man

Defendant(s) Charge(s) and Bond Information:  

• John M. Shearer-50 Lewes, De
• Theft by False Pretense Under $1,500
• Released on $500.00 unsecured bond

Resume:

Lewes-Delaware State Police Thursday July 21^st charged a Lewes man of theft by False Pretense following a criminal investigation.  The incident occurred on Tuesday July 19, 2011 when the victim was approached by John M. Shearer-50 of Lewes Delaware. 

Shearer around 9:30 Tuesday night contacted the victim outside his residence on the 22000 block of Angola Road West Lewes Delaware.  When Shearer spoke to the victim he spoke of a sick family member who was transported from Beebe Hospital Lewes to Christiana Hospital New Castle County. 

Shearer additionally advised the victim when he attempted to use his debit card, it was declined and he needed gas for his trip.  Shearer also told the victim if he lent him money, he would return the following day to pay him back.  

Shearer was given $40.00, however he never returned to pay back the money.  The victim provided the Trooper with vehicle registration and vehicle make information which assisted in identifying Shearer. 

July 12, 2011 State Troopers investigated a similar incident in which the suspect utilized the same tactics to solicit money from victims.  Shearer is suspected of being the suspect soliciting money on this occasion as well.  

Shearer was charged with a misdemeanor count of Theft by False Pretense and released on $500.00 secured bond.  

Tips to Remember:

• Utilize good judgment when approached by persons with elaborate stories when the end result is having to handover money. 
• Take down as much information about the vehicle, person, name etc that can assist Law Enforcement in locating the scammer. 
• Be cautious of alerting the scammer of money in your possession.  (Prevent a Robbery)