Charles Horlesen, 31, of Kissimmee, Florida, was taken into custody by detectives from the Montgomery County Police Financial Crimes Section on Wednesday, July 23 in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, on suspicion of scamming an elderly Montgomery County woman out of $20,000 through a tech support scam.
Horlesen allegedly met with the victim, an older woman, on Monday, July 21, who thought she was having trouble with her Norton antivirus program, according to MCPD. The victim was informed that she had received an excessive refund, and in order to fix the problem, she was required to take $20,000 out of her bank account and deliver it to Horlesen.
After conducting an investigation and identifying Horlesen as the culprit, detectives arrested him two days later with the help of law enforcement partners.
He is accused of stealing between $1,500 and less than $25,000, conspiring to steal the same amount, and stealing goods from an adult who is vulnerable. His bond was granted on Thursday, July 24.
Throughout the investigation, officers from Montgomery County Police collaborated closely with the Prince George’s County Police Department, Fairfax County Police Department, and the Baltimore Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators think Horlesen may have targeted more victims in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. Those who interacted with him are urged to notify the Financial Crimes Section of the MCPD at 240-773-6330.
