Following an investigation into a reported scam, Darren Burton, 30, of Clarksville, TN—formerly of Jacksonville, AL; Hollywood, FL; and Phoenix, AZ—has been formally charged in the Izard County Circuit Court with criminal attempt – theft by deception with the value of the property under $25,000; unlawful use of a communication device; criminal attempt – abuse of an endangered or impaired person; unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a crime.
Last week, a citizen reported receiving an alert on their phone stating that a large amount of money had been withdrawn from their bank account. Shortly afterward, the citizen received multiple phone calls from an unknown caller who instructed them to place a specific amount of cash into a box, wrap it in a particular manner, and write designated information on the outside. The caller further directed the citizen to leave the box on their porch for pickup.
Deputies began investigating the scam and, working closely with the citizen over the course of several days, monitored the phone calls and tracked the instructions provided by the scammers.
On November 22, a ride-share service arrived at the citizen’s residence to pick up the package. The driver was detained and interviewed. He provided information about how he was hired and where the package was to be delivered. He stated he was instructed to take the package to a hotel in Searcy.
The White County Sheriff’s Office was contacted, and a coordinated delivery of the package was arranged at the hotel. On November 23, Burton arrived at the hotel to retrieve the package. He fled the scene but was later apprehended and transported to the Izard County Jail.
“This is an excellent example of community policing,” said Sheriff Melton. “A vigilant citizen reported the scam and worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office. With cooperation from other law enforcement agencies, we were able to achieve a positive outcome.”
Sheriff Melton would like to thank the White County Sheriff’s Office and the Searcy Police Department for their valued cooperation.
If you are in Izard County and receive any communication that you know is a scam—or even suspect may be a scam—please contact the Izard County Sheriff’s Office at 870-368-4203