Written by: E. George
Published April 1, 2024 @ 3:40 PM ET
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. – On March 21, 2024, a Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy responded to an Evans residence regarding a larceny-theft-by-deception case. The victim reported losing $5,000 to a jury duty scam.
She explained that she received a phone call that morning from “LT Eric Adams,” and he transferred her to “CPT Tylor,” who told her she had a warrant for contempt of court for missing jury duty. She received instructions to travel to a Coinme machine at the Grovetown Columbia Road Food Lion store.
The suspect provided her with digits to enter where the money would be sent, but she said she did not remember the number. She followed the person’s directions and sent $5,000.
When she tried to verify the warrant information with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, they said her record was clear and that she was scammed.
She submitted a copy of the Coinme receipt and stated that she wished to prosecute if a suspect was identified. This case is pending.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
I responded to a fraud call at the listed address. [REDACTED] stated she received a call at 10:09 A.M. from [REDACTED] and spoke to LT Eric Adams.
[REDACTED] said LT Adams transferred her to a CPT Tylor, who told her she had a warrant for contempt of court for missing jury duty. She was instructed to go to a CoinMe machine located at 5157 Columbia Rd. Grovetown, GA 30813 (Food Lion).
[REDACTED] was given a number to enter where the money would go, but she does not remember the number. [REDACTED] then followed his instructions and sent $5,000.00.
[REDACTED] stated she checked the CCSO and was told her record was clear and that she was scammed.
[REDACTED] would like to prosecute when possible. A copy of the receipt from CoinMe was uploaded to the evidence drive under this case number.