4 charged in 'Grandparent Scam' targeting seniors

HARRISBURG (WPVI) -- A grand jury investigation has led to charges against four people allegedly involved in a scheme that stole thousands of dollars from elderly victims throughout the country.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office says that the alleged scammers stole at least $162,600 and are accused of attempting to steal approximately $37,325 more.

In one instance, a woman from Texas was allegedly defrauded of $64,900.

The investigation identified eleven victims in eight states, with an average age of 79.

Authorities say the full scope of the scheme is still unknown as the investigation is ongoing.

The suspects facing charges are identified as:

Spencer Compas, 29, 2100 block of S. Etting St., Philadelphia;
Witson Lavilette, 38, 3900 block of Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia;
Johanne Wesh, 37, 1400 block of Easton Road, Abington, Montgomery County; and
Kens Wesh, 38, 1400 block of E 86th St., Brooklyn, New York.

Each of the suspects faces two counts of corrupt organizations and one count each of criminal conspiracy, identity theft and theft by deception for their role in the scheme.

The investigation began after a 77-year-old California man notified authorities saying he had been scammed out of thousands of dollars by a caller claiming to be an attorney for his grandson, who supposedly was arrested for a DUI in Philadelphia. The caller told the victim the money was for bail and attorney's fees.

The victim sent $6,600 to the address the caller gave him, but the caller soon called again saying an additional $10,000 was needed. That's when the victim said he realized he had been scammed.

Law enforcement stepped in and an undercover sting led authorities to a home on West Albanus St. in Philadelphia, where Spencer Compas was allegedly waiting to receive the package.

The "Grandparent Scam" is one of the more common scams targeting the elderly. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that this type of scam has resulted in the theft of roughly $42 million from people across the country.

In a statement released Thursday, Pennsylvania Attorney general Kathleen Kane was quoted as saying, "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shut down a scam that's as sinister as it is pervasive ... A nine-month investigation led to charges against four individuals allegedly engaged in the so-called 'Grandparent Scam.'"

Compas, Lavilette and Johanne Wesh were taken into custody on Wednesday and are each being held on $1 million bail.

An arrest warrant is still active for Kens Wesh, who is believed to be in New York City.

Authorities are still seeking other victims. Anyone who believes that they were scammed by these suspects after sending (or being asked to send) money to an address in Philadelphia, Abington (Montgomery County) or Bronx, New York, should contact the Office of Attorney General's Organized Crime Section in Norristown at 610-631-5937.

The Office of Attorney General also maintains a toll-free Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-623-2137.