Police arrest 4 suspects in 'pigeon drop' scam, more victims asked to come forward

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. — The Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) has arrested four suspects involved in a "pigeon drop" scam that targeted an elderly woman, resulting in the theft of nearly $40,000. The arrests were made on Oct. 24 at a shopping center in Clinton, just moments before the suspects could approach another potential victim. Investigators believe there may be more victims out there. 

What is a "pigeon drop" scam?

A pigeon drop scam is a scheme where the perpetrators convince the victim to give them money, claiming that it is a form of collateral for a larger sum that the victim will supposedly receive. In this case, the suspects were identified as James Davis, 77, Connie Williams, 64, and Kenneth Gooden, 36, all from Birmingham, Alabama, along with 59-year-old Mary Daniel from Antioch, Tennessee.

The scam in Prince George's County:

The scam unfolded on Oct. 21, when the victim encountered two suspects — a man and a woman — outside a business on Marlboro Pike. The suspects claimed they had found a bag full of money and asked if it belonged to the victim, which it did not. They convinced her that instead of turning the money in to the police, she should donate it to charity.

Under pressure from the suspects, the victim withdrew nearly $40,000 from her bank account over the course of two days, believing she was participating in a charitable act.

Using various investigative techniques, the PGPD’s Financial Crimes Unit tracked the suspects down at a shopping center on Woodyard Road. Detectives observed two of the suspects approaching another elderly woman in the parking lot before making the arrests.

The PGPD believes there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward and urges anyone who might have encountered similar situations to report the crime, regardless of whether they experienced a financial loss.

The PGPD reminds residents to be cautious and avoid giving money or financial information to anyone they meet unexpectedly, whether in person, online, or over the phone. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Anyone with information about the suspects or who believes they may be a victim is encouraged to contact the PGPD Financial Crimes Unit at 301-516-1464. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or through the “P3 Tips” mobile app.