Cops are looking for more potential victims of a Kingston man who they say ran a scam that involved soliciting rides from motorists, then pressuring them for money.
Terry J. Monroe Jr., 59, was arrested on March 29 by Ulster County sheriff’s detectives. He’s charged with misdemeanor counts of second-degree scheme to defraud and petit larceny.
Cops say they identified Monroe after a three-month investigation that began in January when they began receiving complaints about the alleged scam. According to police the scam involved a male and female who would approach victims at local convenience stores where the man would ask for a ride to another location or several locations, then “coerce” the victims into giving him money.
Monroe is charged in a February incident in which he allegedly approached a victim saying that his car had broken down and he needed a ride to recover it. Monroe allegedly directed the victim to an auto repair shop then demanded money to get his car released. Monroe allegedly told the victim that he owned a local business and promised to repay the money by the end of the day. The victim tried unsuccessfully to recover the money before reporting the incident to police.
Monroe was released from police custody with an appearance ticket for Esopus Town Court. Police believe there may be other victims of the alleged scam who have not come forward. They are urging potential victims to contact the Ulster County sheriff’s office.
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