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Delaware State Police
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Lewes Man Indicted after Swindling Thousands from a Fellow Church Member Released-Monday, February 11, 2008 Lewes-Delaware State Police Financial Crimes detectives recently charged a Lewes man after he allegedly scammed thousands of dollars from a Rehoboth Beach man last year. Detectives were first contact by the 38-year-old victim on October 15, 2007. The victim explained he belonged to a local church near Lewes. The suspect later identified as Brian S. Wells, 42, of Lewes was introduced to the victim there. Wells first approached the victim in May 2007. Wells allegedly told the victim that if he gave him $15,000.00, he could turn it into $200,000.00 in a quick investment deal. On May 30, 2007 the victim gave Wells a check for $15,000.00. Wells told the victim the turn around date was July 1, 2007. In June, Wells approached the victim with another deal involving a house that needed repair. Wells asked the victim to give him $40,000.00 to fix a home he wanted to sell. Wells told the victim he would make $100,000.00 on the deal. The victim wrote Wells a check for $40,000.00 under the assumption he would make $100.000.00 on the deal. According to the victim both deals fell through and Wells kept his money. During the investigation, detectives learned the victim allegedly gave Wells $8,000.00 in September to keep Wells out of jail. Wells allegedly told the victim his bank was threatening to prosecute him for withdrawing funds from the bank on a check that had a stop payment on it. After receiving the money Wells drove the victim home and took off with the money. As a result of the investigation Wells was indicted on three counts of Theft by False Pretense (felonies). He was taken into custody at his home on January 31, 2008 and arraigned at Sussex County Superior Court. Wells was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $1,500 .00 secured bond. |
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