Police arrest fraud suspect

A Miami man accused of running an elaborate fraud scheme in Weston was released on bail after appearing in Waltham District Court Wednesday morning, according to the Police Department.

Bryan Martinez, 23, was arrested by Weston police officers on Tuesday, Sept. 30, after a foot pursuit in connection with what police said was an “elaborate fraud scheme in which he allegedly impersonated a bank agent and attempted to scam a Weston resident out of tens of thousands of dollars,” according to a press release issued by the department.

Martinez is facing two counts of conspiracy to commit larceny by false pretense on a person over 60 years of age, two counts of attempted larceny by false pretense on a person over 60 years of age and possession of a false or stolen identification document. The case is still under investigation, and the Police Department is working with federal partners to determine whether there are other suspects or victims involved.

Police say Martinez allegedly contacted the victim under the pretense of investigating fraud on the victim’s bank accounts. He then told the victim to withdraw large sums of money and either deposit them into unknown accounts or prepare the money for pickup. One pickup was made earlier in the week and another was set for Sept. 30.

At the time of the second pickup, Weston police officers were present at the victim’s residence, and upon seeing officers, Martinez allegedly fled on foot. Weston police officers, assisted by K-9 Knox and the Waltham Police Drone Unit, located Martinez near a residence on North Avenue and took him into custody. He allegedly had a Florida driver’s license belonging to another individual in his possession.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted in a similar scam is urged to contact the Police Department at 781-786-6200.