Five individuals from Dubuque and surrounding areas have been charged with wire fraud in a scheme that targeted elderly victims across the United States.
Cosimo Carlos Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, Stephanie Marcov, Cody Richey, and Shawn Vaassen have been accused of participating in a scheme to defraud people in the US, with the majority of victims being elderly.
According to the indictment, the defendants would call victims claiming that a relative was in jail and needed bail money to be released. The victims would then be asked to wire money via Western Union or Money Gram, which would eventually be sent overseas.
Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, and Vaassen are being held without bond, while Stephanie Marcov remains released on certain conditions. Vaassen is set to appear in court on February 27, 2017, for a change of plea hearing, and Rodriguez, Michael Marcov, and Stephanie Marcov will appear for arraignment on February 9, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt is leading the prosecution, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Dubuque Police Department.
This case is part of the Elder Justice Initiative, a collaboration between government officials, advocacy groups, and others to protect vulnerable citizens from financial fraud schemes.
The Elder Justice Initiative aims to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in health programs and ensure the integrity of government expenditures.
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Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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