Carlos Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, Stephanie Marcov, Cody Richey, Elderly Targeted Fraud, Iowa 2016

Four Dubuque residents, Carlos Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, Stephanie Marcov, and Cody Richey, have been charged with targeting the elderly in a massive fraud scheme.

According to a complaint unsealed yesterday in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids, the four defendants participated in a scheme to defraud people throughout the country, primarily targeting the elderly. The scheme involved calling victims, claiming a relative was in jail and needed bail money. The victims were then asked to wire money via Western Union or Money Gram, which was sent to various participants in the fraud and eventually overseas.

If convicted, each of the four defendants faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years' imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and a term of supervised release following any imprisonment.

Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, and Stephanie Marcov appeared yesterday in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Rodriguez and Michael Marcov are being held without bond. Stephanie Marcov was released on conditions of release. The next court hearing in the case is set for 9:30 a.m. on January 17, 2017, for a detention and preliminary hearing.

As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The prosecution is part of the Elder Justice Initiative. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Dubuque Police Department.

Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, Stephanie Marcov, and Cody Richey are charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Dubuque Police Department.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndia/pr/four-individuals-charged-fraud-targeted-towards-elderly