Con Artist Accused Of Trying To Exploit 97-Year-Old Woman

Police are investigating a con artist who is accused of exploiting a 97-year-old woman.

Wednesday, November 4th 2015, 8:06 pm

By: News 9


Police are investigating a con artist who is accused of exploiting a 97-year-old woman.

Henry Jo Smith is wanted for trying to swindle $2,200 from the woman. 

Police say he knocked on the front door of her home near NW 45 and Rockwell Avenue and convinced her to pay him for roof repairs. Smith allegedly asked for the money upfront. The victim wrote him a check. She told police that Smith spent only 10 minutes on her roof.  

Detective Brady Schmiedeberg said Smith spray painted a couple of vents to make it look like he made repairs.

A short time later, on Oct. 29, Smith tried to cash the check. 

Fortunately for the victim, the bank teller became suspicious and refused to cash the check.

"A savvy bank teller kinda caught on that something wasn't right and called the victim to see if the check was legit," Schmiedeberg said.

Smith left the bank empty handed but surveillance images from inside the bank helped police identify Smith as the suspect.  

Upon further investigation, police discovered Smith was a known con artist in at least three other states. 

Schmiedeberg said "this suspect has been doing it in California, Missouri, and Texas."

Investigators think Smith could be on the move again, and they want to catch him before he crosses the state line.

"I'm not sure if he is still here but we need everyone to keep an eye out for him," Schmiedeberg said.

If you know where investigators can find Smith, call the Bethany police at 789.2323.

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