Parker County Sheriff’s investigators have dismantled a major scam operation targeting local residents, resulting in multiple arrests. The scheme, active since November 2024, involved callers impersonating sheriff’s deputies and demanding money for supposed warrants or missed jury duty. Victims were instructed to purchase Bitcoin, which was sent to the suspects’ accounts.
Investigators traced the organization’s operations through emails, phone records, and banking transactions, uncovering that two suspects orchestrated scams from a Georgia prison. Jose Joaquin Gaona, 25, serving a 71-year sentence for violent crimes, allegedly ran the operation from prison using an illicit cell phone.
Arrests and charges include:
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Romelia Barrientos Garcia, 46, Dallas County – Engaging in organized criminal activity
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Christian de la Pena, 24, Bexar County – Engaging in organized criminal activity
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Samantha Ann Flores, 38, Atlanta – Engaging in organized criminal activity
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Towkir Islam, 25, Atlanta – Wanted for engaging in organized criminal activity
The suspects reportedly funneled thousands of dollars from victims toward personal expenses, including dining, jewelry, and Apple Pay accounts.
Sheriff Russ Authier emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office will never demand money over the phone and urged residents to verify any such claims independently before responding.
The investigation involved coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Georgia Department of Corrections, and it is credited with preventing numerous potential future victims.
