Taking ActionTaking Action Against Crime

Actions

Taking Action Against Crime: Man accused of scamming elderly women in Hampton

Posted at 11:53 PM, Feb 26, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-02 17:33:43-04

Update: Charles Arms was arrested on Feb. 28 in North Carolina.  He has been extradited and is in the custody of the Hampton Sheriff's Office.

Hampton, Va. - Police need your help finding a man wanted for scamming two elderly women out of $30,000.

The most recent case happened Feb. 21.

Police have identified the suspect as Charles Henry Arms, 74.

"We want to pick him up so he's not able to find someone else.  This [recent case] was an elderly female.  She lives alone and she's terrified, she's absolutely terrified.  She doesn't want to leave her house," said Cpl. Mary Shackelford.

Police say Arms and an unidentified accomplice went to the woman's house on Cellardoor Ct.

They told the woman they were law enforcement agents and said they had detained two suspects who were able to monitor her bank accounts and could take her money.

They told her they could keep her money safe.  Police say the suspects drove the woman to the bank where she withdrew $10,000 and gave it to them.

"She's devastated, you know, limited income, she thought she was doing the right thing and she and her family are absolutely devastated and they just don't want anyone else to become a victim," said Shackelford.

Police say another woman fell victim about two months ago.

In December, police say Arms and another suspect approached a 75-year-old woman in a grocery store parking lot, telling her they were foreign citizens and needed money to send their relatives.

Police say the suspects drove her to the bank where she gave them $20,000.

"The story lines may change, but the variables are all the same with Mr. Arms, and that's what we want people to be aware of.  We don't want anyone else to become a victim," said Shackelford.

Police say Arms has several aliases: Robert Carlton, James Harris and Robert Harris.

He drives a 2006 silver Mercedes Benz E350 with North Carolina tags BCA-7542.

Police do not have a last known address for Arms.

If you know where he is, take action and call the CrimeLine at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

You can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.