Arrest in Scam that Took $23,000 from Harrison Resident

A Georgia resident faces a felony charge in Harrison town court after a 2-month long investigation into a phone scam that police say defrauded an elderly woman of $23,000.

The investigation began when an officer was dispatched to the home of a Harrison senior citizen on a larceny report. The 90-year-old woman reported receiving several phone calls from a man who said his name was Mark Freedman and that he was a lawyer representing the victim’s granddaughter, who had just been involved in a motor vehicle accident causing injuries to herself and others.

Police said the elaborate and convincing telephone scheme even went as far as having a female caller pose as the victim’s granddaughter. Believing what she heard, the Harrison victim was unfortunately scammed out of $23,000.

The Harrison Police Department conducted an immediate and vigorous investigation, which led them to identify the primary suspect as Enoch Sarkodie, 29, from Marietta, Ga. Harrison officers traveled to Georgia, placing the suspect under arrest with the assistance of the Cobb County Sheriff Department.

Sarkodie waived extradition and was transported back to Harrison, NY where he will be arraigned June 16 on 1 felony count of Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree.

This scam as well as others are circulating throughout our community and are very convincing, police said. Seniors and citizens alike need to be alert of any suspicious calls or emails they receive.