Smithfield Woman Arrested in Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Victim
SMITHFIELD, NC – A joint investigation by authorities in North Carolina and Florida has led to the arrest of a Smithfield woman accused of defrauding an elderly victim.
Denise Shante Pugsley, 31, of Brogden School Road, was taken into custody on December 19 and charged with obtaining property by false pretenses. The case is the result of a collaborative effort between the Johnston County (NC) Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office, who have been investigating the scheme since October 2024.
The investigation revealed that over the summer, an 84-year-old woman in Fort Myers, Florida, was deceived into believing her personal computer had been hacked. The victim was instructed to call a provided number for assistance. After making the call, she was coerced into sending a cashier’s check for $22,100 to an address in Johnston County under the guise of resolving the computer issue.
Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues. “This type of crime targets some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said a spokesperson for the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. “We will continue to work diligently to bring justice in this case.”
Pugsley was processed at the Johnston County Detention Center and held on a $25,000 secured bond. Further details have not been disclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.