|
|
| Inmates accused of subscription-refund scam |
| By Cox News Service |
| Published: 12/22/2003 |
|
Three Texas prison inmates have been accused of defrauding hundreds of newspapers and magazines in a subscription scam run from their cells, authorities said last Wednesday. John Moriarty, inspector general of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, said more than $3,200 has been seized, and he thinks the amount will grow. "We know of more than $12,000 that was either obtained in cash, in subscriptions or in refunds that were attempted," Moriarty said. "This has hit publications all over the United States -- big and small -- and even one in London. We know of 415 newspapers and magazines that were targeted but don't yet know how many were taken." Capt. Bruce Toney, a prison investigator, said the suspects are William Denton Woods, 33, serving 55 years for a robbery and two burglaries; Jerry Dale Walker, 38, serving 60 years for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon; and Leighton Ray Smith, 31, serving 15 years for an armed robbery. Woods and Walker are in the Robertson Unit in Abilene, and Smith is in the Lewis Unit in Woodville. "They bought typewriters from the commissary and sent letters to hundreds of newspapers and magazines across the country saying they had paid for a subscription with a money order, had never received an issue and wanted a refund," Toney said. "They would then follow up with a second letter asking for the refund again, with a tracking receipt attached supposedly showing that the publication had cashed the money order. It looked official. The only problem was, it was fake." The suspects were preparing to mail additional letters when authorities were alerted by the Boston Globe.. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think