Bronx Man Scams Hudson Valley Grandparents

CHATHAM, NY — A Bronx man was arrested after being accused scamming thousands of dollars out of a pair of grandparents. State police said Jose Antonetti, 37, of the Bronx, was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Police said, on July 23, two people said they received a phone call from a scam artist saying their grandson needed to be bailed out of jail.

Antonetti told them their grandson had to have $5,000 in cash which the victims agreed to pay, authorities said.

The investigation found Antonetti drive from New York City to the victims' residence and took the $5,000.

After receiving the fraudulent bail, troopers said Antonetti demanded another $10,000, at which point the victims became suspicious and called the state police.

Antonetti was arraigned in the Town of Claverack Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond.

He was scheduled to appear in the Town of Chatham Court July 29.

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