Man arrested at Louisville airport in $300K multi-state scam targeting elderly, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man was arrested in southern Indiana after being involved in a widespread scam targeting elderly citizens, according to police.

According to a release from Charlestown Police, an elderly Charlestown resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement account and giving it to a man who came to his home May 5. Police said the suspect took the money and left.

Police launched an investigation and Jia Hua Liu was identified as the suspect. The 36-year-old man is a Canadian citizen who entered the U.S. in April.

According to police, Liu was connected to other fraud cases in Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico and Tennessee. Police said the losses are estimated at more than $309,000.

Three more elderly people in Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan were nearly victimized as well. But family members intervened in time, preventing an additional $70,000 in potential losses.

"Anytime anyone calls you or asks you to call them on the phone and they want you to withdraw large sums of money, that's probably not legitimate," said Det. Jason Broady with Charlestown Police. "There is probably some sort of scam going on and you need to stop that."

Liu was charged with theft, fraud, conspiracy and money laundering, and arrest warrant was issued.

Police learned that Liu was at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on July 2 preparing to catch a departing flight. He was arrested at the airport without incident with the help from Louisville Regional Airport Authority.

"This arrest is the result of tireless work by our detectives and strong cooperation between agencies," Charlestown Police Chief Eric Kruse said in a news release. "We’re committed to protecting our elderly community members and bringing those who prey on them to justice."

According to police, search warrants for Liu's vehicle and luggage revealed a large amount of cash. Investigators have served around 20 search warrants and five subpoenas, but the case remains active and ongoing.

Charlestown Police encourages anyone who has been targeted by a similar scam to call them immediately. Police said there are likely additional victims in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

People can call Charlestown Police's anonymous tip line at (812) 256-2473.

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