Police: Businesses targeted in scam

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

A series of alleged scams against several local businesses is being investigated by the Wytheville Police Department. They involve selling advertisements and related merchandise.
According to Capt. Rick Arnold, a salesman would offer a business free merchandise (pens, key fobs, etc.) with the business logo in turn for a paid placemat advertisement. In some cases, he said, the salesman would solicit just an advertisement on the placemat.
The person then took an order for the items to give to customers, received payment for the ad and promised quick delivery, Arnold reported. The catch, he noted, is that several weeks pass and there is no delivery.
“All attempts to contact the sales person have met with negative results, phone numbers do not work or the address is fictional,” the captain said.
Orders placed have ranged from $100 to $500, according to him.
Capt. Arnold pointed out several Wytheville businesses have been scammed with reports that businesses in Wythe County and Rural Retreat have been, too. Other agencies in Virginia and West Virginia, he said, are investigating into alleged fraud involving a suspect.
Arnold reported a suspect in some of the cases was arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 29 under a felony fugitive charge. He said the suspect was Gregory Kermit Cantrell, 44, of Gray, Tenn.
“We are advising businesses to double check the credentials of anyone that presents themselves as a salesperson, especially if they are promising something for nothing,” Capt. Arnold commented. “These businesses may want to ensure that this salesperson has a legitimate business license, either state or town.”
He advises any business owner or manager that feels victimized by a fraud to contact the Wytheville Police Department at 223-3300 or Investigator Gary Davenport at 223-3307.
In an unrelated case, an Austinville couple face a Jan. 28, 2010, court date on drug charges. Gregory Warren Lee, 39, and his 37-year-old wife, Denise D. Lee, are charged with possession of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
According to 1st Sgt. Jason Robinson of the Virginia State Police, the Lees were arrested in the driveway of the residence around 10 p.m. on Sept. 24. Their arrests, he said, were the result of an ongoing investigation.
Accompanied by members of the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, state police seized 28 grams of meth with an estimated street value of $3,000, Robinson reported. He said he expects additional charges against the couple.
The investigation continues.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .