Police announced they have arrested a suspect, who was found with a gun, accused of stealing nearly $8,000 from an intellectually disabled man in Huntley as part of a romance scam.
A resident in the 12200 block of Sinnet Street in Huntley reported on Monday that four car rims worth approximately $1,400 were stolen from his garage, according to Huntley Deputy Police Chief Kevin Keane.
The resident returned on Tuesday to report that he also found nearly $8,000 in cash missing from the home.
He questioned family members and his brother, who has an intellectual disability, admitted to taking the cash and the rims to pay people who had been blackmailing him.
Keane said the family reported that the victim began communicating with what appeared to be an attractive young woman on an online dating app a few days prior.
The suspect built rapport online and then requested money for living expenses and beauty maintenance, which was initially picked up at the residence by a male subject who pretended to be a courier.
The victim was extorted on numerous occasions over the next couple of days and provided thousands of dollars in cash to the same suspect, Keane said.
They had scheduled for the suspect to pick up additional cash during the afternoon hours on Tuesday.
Police officers and detectives were notified of the scheduled pickup and collaborated with residents to ensure their safety while coordinating plans to intercept the suspect or suspects, Keane said.
Taye Sallis Lewis, 22, of Elgin, arrived at the home around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to collect the money and was taken into custody by the Huntley Police Department with the assistance of an Illinois State Police task force.
He was identified as the suspect who carried out all of the previous cash pickups, Keane said. Court documents said Lewis also took the car rims in addition to approximately $7,800 in cash.
Keanes said officers observed in plain view a Glock handgun with an extended magazine that was illegally stored in his vehicle.
Lewis has a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card but does not possess a concealed carry license (CCL).
He is charged with theft by deception over $5,000, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.
Lewis is being held in the McHenry County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 14. Additional charges are possible as the case remains under investigation.
“We commend the family for supporting the victim and contacting the police for help. Scammers rely on fear, urgency, and embarrassment to trick victims, and they often target the same person again once they succeed,” Keane said.
“By reporting suspicious activity early, residents can protect themselves and help police protect others. We urge everyone to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors. Awareness is our strongest defense against scams,” he added.
Police described the incident as a “sweetheart” or “romance” scam where a criminal pretends to be a romantic interest online or by phone to build trust before asking for money, gifts or personal information.
Scammers often use fake photos and profiles along with elaborate stories to manipulate victims emotionally.