BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said a Hannibal, Missouri man has been arrested and charged in relation to a lightning rod scam.
William E. Riley (50) of 2105 Hope St., Hannibal has been charged with attempted financial exploitation of the elderly and his bond is set at $25,000 cash only.
According to Walter, on December 1st Riley made contact with an elderly lady at her rural Scott City home. Riley requested to inspect the lightning rods on her house after producing some type of certification papers. The lady permitted the inspection and then was reportedly told by Riley that he had to make repairs which would cost $4,500. The elderly victim thought $4,500 was too much but paid Riley with a personal check in order to get him to leave her residence.
Shortly after contact with the victim, Riley attempted to cash the check at a local bank facility. When a bank employee decided to contact the victim to make sure it was ok to cash the check, Riley grabbed his identification and fled from the bank. The victim informed the bank employee to not cash the check that she just wrote it so Riley would leave her residence.
During an investigation, William Riley was positively identified as the person that attempted to cash the victim’s $4,500 check. The investigation also revealed that Riley is allegedly part of a group of people known to travel throughout Missouri and adjoining states scamming elderly persons with lightning rod and paving schemes.
Walter said Riley and an associate were arrested Wednesday afternoon in Perry County when officers responded to the scene of a pavement job dispute.
Riley is currently being held in the Perry County Jail on Perry and Scott County charges and parole violation.
Sheriff Walter is asking that anyone who recently allowed Riley or someone else access to their lightning rods, or with information regarding any type of financial gain schemes to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322. The sheriff is also urging those with elderly family members to keep in close contact to make sure they do not become a victim.
