WINONA, Minn. – Winona police have been comparing notes with other law enforcement agencies about slick scammers with sob stories who promise jewelry they’re wearing in exchange for cash. Federal border agents also are on to a rash of similar cases. There were two arrests Monday near Viroqua, Wisconsin. The arrests, said Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude and Winona Police Chief Tom Williams, may connect with two Winona incidents outside the Hy-Vee grocery store in July. Whether there‘s a connection or not, Ganrude and Williams’ message is: Be alert.
> July 3: A Winona man was approached by two men as he left the Hy-Vee. One of the men, referred to as “papa” by his companion, claimed that someone stole his wallet with $900 cash and that they needed money for gas to get home to California. The targeted man outside was given a ring and $40 cash – and was asked to go to his bank and bring back $2,000. In exchange, he was told he’d give him other jewelry as collateral for the $2,000. The Winona man left and called police. The ring turned out virtually worthless.
> July 10 or thereabouts: The same Winona man, again leaving Hy-Vee, was approached by a woman who referred to her companion as “Papa” and who said that her purse stolen and that she needed gas money. She also was wearing a lot of jewelry, the Winona man told police. He did not give her any money.
Incidents elsewhere:
> May 30: A man driving a black SUV approached a local man at a gas station near New Richmond, Wisconsin, and said he was out of gas, and in need of cash. He offered to sell jewelry to the targeted man. The victim later told police he saw a firearm and felt threatened. The cash-for-jewelry exchange was made. No surprise: The jewelry contained no precious metals.
> June 4: After a similar incident near Hudson, Wisconsin, the St. Croix County sheriff issued a statewide crime alert to other law enforcement agencies.
> July 15: A similar incident occurred near Readstown, Wisconsin. Deputies this time discovered the scammers’ vehicle had Alabama license plates.
> July 29: Two individuals were flagging down vehicles near Richland Center and asking for gas money. The same vehicle description was reported, and the vehicle was last seen traveling west, toward Vernon County. About 11:30 a.m. an alert deputy saw the vehicle traveling, and the interception followed.
Viroqua arrests
Police arrested Alexandru Uca, age 28, of Kent, Washington, and Armando Vaduva, 27, of Fullerton, California, early Monday afternoon south of Viroqua. They were in a black 2013 Chevrolet Suburban with Alabama license plates. It was considered a high-risk stop out of concern that the persons might be armed. However, Uca and Vaduva offered no resistance. Cash and jewelry were seized.
Other incidents?
Police rae seeking information about possible other scam attempts that may not have been reported. Cross-dressing and disguises may have been involved.