Police Investigating Jury Duty Scams

Daytona Beach, FL - Police are now looking for the public’s help following a series of scams where a suspect poses as a high ranking member of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) in order to demand money from victims. "Congratulations, because you have our full attention," said VSO Division Chief Brian Henderson, whose name has been used during these scams. "We will find you, and you will be prosecuted." Currently, the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) is investigating six incidents that were reported in the past month. And, in three of those incidents, money did change hands. Additionally, all of the victims were found to be over the age of 65, and there might be more. “We’re positive there’s more victims out there,” said Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Captain Jennifer Krosschell. “We would like them to come forward and tell us what they know so we can find whoever’s orchestrating this scam and put them behind bars.” Investigators say victims received phone calls from someone identifying himself as Henderson and told them that they have an arrest warrant out with their name on it since they failed to show up for jury duty. The victims were then pressured to pay in order to avoid being arrested. “No law enforcement agency would ever operate in such a manner,” Krosschell added. “If someone calls you with a story like that, it is almost certainly someone trying to trick you out of your money or something of value. Don’t fall for it. Call us instead.” In cases where money was exchanged, the scammers ordered each of the victims to physically drive that cash to a public location identified by the suspects. Investigators report that exchanges have taken place at a mall, a park, and the parking lot of a bail bonds office. Earlier this month, detectives arrested 33-year-old Pierra V. Terrell for her role as an accomplice in one of the known cases. No other arrests have been made. Anyone who is a victim of a scam or has information related to this case is urged to either fill out an online form or contact Detective Eric Hinkson at (386) 671-5216 or HinksonEric@dbpd.us.  Those who wish to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS (8477).