Deputies Recover Cash Scammed From Villa Ridge Woman

Franklin County sheriff’s deputies recovered nearly $10,000 in cash scammed from a Villa Ridge woman.

Paul Axl Chahal-Roeriuez, 27, currently here from Peru on an expired passport and living in O’Fallon, Mo., was arrested.

The money was seized and released back to the victim.

On Dec. 8, deputies were dispatched to the 3900 block of Sieve Rd in Villa Ridge for a stealing by deceit call. 

The victim, a recent widow, was contacted by telephone by a male identifying himself as her grandson who was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident with a pregnant female and he is now incarcerated and needs bail money. He told the victim she would be receiving a call from a man and he would give her instructions to pay for his bail. The victim was then contacted by another male who advised her grandson's bail was set at $9800.00 cash, which she agreed to pay. When she returned home with the cash, she called the man back and he advised her a driver would arrive to her residence to pick up the money. After the driver arrived, she gave him the money and he left.

She was later re-contacted by another man saying he had bad news. He advised her grandson is now being charged with additional charges and his bond is now set at $14000.00 cash. He asked her if she could bond her grandson out and she told him she could. She then called her daughter, who realized this was a scam and the Sheriff’s Office was called. Arrangements were made for the driver to pick up the $14000.00. When the driver arrived, he was met by Deputies who detained him. He granted permission to search his car and he also admitted the original $9800.00 is hidden in his car. 

Charges were obtained through the Franklin County Prosecutors Office for Felony Stealing, bond was set at $50,000. 

The investigation continues for the identification of the additional suspects in this case.