Shanderia K. Posey
Editor
Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason held a press conference this afternoon to warn residents about a phone scam mainly targeting elderly citizens.
At least five residents have received phone calls from a Georgia number. The caller claims to be a representative with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and/or a deputy. The caller tells residents that due to a failure to appear in court or answer to jury duty, the resident owes money to the sheriff’s office and needs to wire money.
“That is absolutely false. We are not asking for money,” Mason said. “We are trying to track these guys down.”
The Circuit Clerk handles matters of jury duty.
During the scam calls, residents have been instructed to load money onto a Greendot debit card in order to expedite the transfer of funds. As of now, Mason is not aware that anyone has actually sent money, but he did say, based on the calls of concerns to his office, people are frightened because during these scam calls people are being told they will be arrested for not complying with the demands.
Subpoenaed records show some of the calls are coming from Georgia. The investigation so far indicates the calls may be coming from a detention facility — actually cell phones used in jails — in Georgia.
The sheriff’s office started receiving calls from concerned residents last Thursday. Several calls of concerns were made to the office today, which prompted the press conference.
The scammers could face charges of false pretense and impersonating an officer.
If a resident receives a call, report it to the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office by calling (601) 857-2600.
Drug bust
Also today, the Narcotics Division of the sheriff’s office, made an undercover drug bust which led to the arrest of David Morehouse, 67, a white male, at his residence, 167 Ferguson Dr. in south Jackson.
The bust netted four firearms, 2 pounds of marijuana, more than 120 Xanax pills and half a kilo of cocaine. The drugs have a street value of $13,000.
Morehouse, who is a convicted felon, could face charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Memorial Day
As Memorial Day approaches, Mason said his office is planning lots of checkpoints and will be on the lookout for drunk drivers this weekend.
“If you have to booze, stay at home and snooze,” Mason said.
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