Man Arrested In Alleged Scam On Elderly Brighton Beach Residents
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have arrested and charged a man who allegedly scammed and stole from elderly residents of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.
Salvador Morales, 58, of Washington Heights, was charged with two counts each of burglary, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property.
Police said the suspect followed the residents into their apartment buildings, telling them he was their upstairs neighbor and that water from his apartment was leaking into theirs, police said.
The suspect then told the victims that he wanted to inspect the damage and will pay for it, police said.
He asked the victims for change for a $100 bill so he can give them $50 for the damage, then goes through their apartments taking jewelry and money, police said.
The first victim was an 89-year-old who was targeted around 3 p.m. this past Dec. 24. Police said the suspect took about $2,200, gold rings, a necklace with a pendant, and a bracelet.
The second incident happened around 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. The 88-year-old victim lost about $170, a necklace, a ring and earrings.
Court information for Morales was not immediately available.
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