2 Accused Of Grandparent Scam

IRVINGTON, NY — Two New York City residents were accused of running a grandparent scam in the Hudson Valley. Irvington police said Bryant Pena, 29, of the Bronx, and Genesis Cedeno, 24, of the Bronx, were charged with third-degree grand larceny and second-degree forged instruments, felonies.

Police said a 97-year-old man was contacted Wednesday by a man who identified himself as the victim's grandson. He said he had been arrested after a DWI accident.

The callers also portrayed themselves as members of the Legal Aid Society and said $9,000 was needed for bail.

Within an hour, an unidentified white man, who was about 30 years old and wearing a red and white baseball cap, met the victim at his home where he turned over the money, police said.

According to the authorities, a short time later, the victim was called by the same people who said that an additional $12,000 was needed for bail.

The victim agreed and then called the Irvington police.

Surveillance was set up and Pena and Cedeno were arrested after then appeared at the man's home and tried to collect the additional money, police said.

The pair was arraigned and released on their own recognizance.

Police said that the public should verify any request for money by speaking with local police and other family members first and report all scams and attempted scams to the police.

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