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Nassau County Police announced the arrest of Brooklyn resident Jamario Smellie on Friday, April 5 for the Valley Stream incident that occurred months prior.
In September 2022, Smellie reportedly called his victim, a 94-year-old man, at his home.
He claimed to work for Publishers Clearing House and told the Valley Stream victim that he had won a large sum of money, but first needed to pay taxes before he could take home his winnings.
Believing the scammer, the victim wrote and sent cashier checks to multiple people totaling $246,968.
Later, he realized it was a scam, and contacted the police, launching a monthslong investigation ending in Smellie’s arrest.
He was charged with grand larceny and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. Smellie is next due to appear at Hempstead’s First District Court on Friday, May 3.
Additionally, officials with the Nassau County Police Department urged the community to be on alert when it comes to potential scams and to check in on friends, family, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to such schemes.
Anyone with information regarding Smellie’s alleged crime is encouraged to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911.
All calls will be kept anonymous.
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