Park Ridgers Scammed In 'Complex' Fraud Scheme

Meet David Ray Wooten. Yet his victims may know him by several other names.

According to police, Wooten established a fictitious company in Park Ridge in an effort to gain the trust of his victims. He then conducted business transactions with his victims, taking possession of their vehicles, sports memorabilia, cash, artwork among other things without providing the agreed upon compensation.

In addition, Wooten would befriend people, often assuming the name of his previous victim, establish credibility and then commit acts of fraud, authorities said.

His scheme reached states beyond Illinois, including Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri. Police believe his ruse affected some 100 victims throughout the Midwest. Given that and the fact that a number of other local agencies have identified Wooten as a possible suspect in crimes reported to them as far back as 2007, Park Ridge police believe other victims are still out there.

Park Ridge Investigators located and arrested Wooten in the 6500 block of Diversey Avenue in Chicago on March 7. He has been charged with one Class 2 Felony Theft, three counts of Class 3 Felony Theft and one count Class A Misdemeanor Theft, police said.

Investigators are asking that anyone who feels they may have been a victim to Wooten’s fraudulent activities to call the Park Ridge Police Department at 847-318-5252.

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