Monthly Archives: November 2014

Kroger Employees Stop MoneyPak Scammers Targeting the Elderly in “Grandson” Scam

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1694555161Franklin Police want to, again, warn the public after a scammer tried tricking a grandmother out of money – by pretending to be her grandson. It happened last week, and the thing that made this scam so believable is that the scammer had information about the grandson he was pretending to be. The scammer even called himself her “number-1 grandson,” like she does.

This was the rouse:
The scammer claimed that a friend of his recently broke up with a girlfriend, and he and the friend went to Miami to help his friend get over the break-up. While in Miami, they were pulled over for speeding, and marijuana was found in the vehicle. The scammer then gave the phone to someone pretending to be a police sergeant. The “police sergeant” told the grandmother that she needed to go to Kroger and purchase three Green Dot MoneyPak cards in the amount of $500 each. The scammers told the grandmother that if she was asked why she was buying them, to tell the clerk they were gift cards for Christmas presents. The “sergeant” told her that once she had the cards, to call him back and give him the number and security code off the cards. The “sergeant” told the woman that if she did not do this, her grandson would be in jail for 4-6 weeks while going through the court process.

An attentive Kroger clerk and manager became concerned during the woman’s attempted purchase of the cards. After a long talk, they were able to MI-BE659_IPO_DV_20100718181812convince her not to go through with the purchase, fearing that it was a scam – they were right.

Another elderly grandmother had to return hearing aids, for money to live on, after she fell for a similar ploy costing her $1,500. Police encourage adult children and grandchildren to caution the elderly in their lives about scams like this, designed to exploit them.

On their website, MoneyPak warns consumers of the numerous scams surrounding their product:

Use your MoneyPak number only with businesses on our approved list. If anyone else asks for your MoneyPak number or information from your receipt, it’s probably a scam. Don’t give your MoneyPak number to pay for something you buy through the classifieds or to collect a prize or sweepstakes. Do not give away your receipt information to another party either. If you give your MoneyPak number or information about the purchase transaction to a criminal, Green Dot is not responsible for paying you back. Your MoneyPak is not a bank account. The funds are not insured against loss.

WARNING:

MoneyPak offers only ONE Toll Free Number to apply your money.  It is listed on the back of your MoneyPak.  All other phone numbers are not ours and are fraudulent.

DNA Evidence Positively Links AL Man to Series of Franklin Apartment Burglaries

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Amplification of DNA #2Demarcus Coleman, 22, of Alabama, has been indicted on four counts of Aggravated Burglary after DNA left behind was scientifically confirmed as his. On 02/18/2014, Coleman pried open front doors to three apartments at Viera of Cool Springs, 300 N. Royal Oaks Boulevard. A woman was home during one of the burglaries; she screamed, causing Coleman, who had forced his way into her apartment, to flee. The fourth Franklin burglary linked to Coleman occurred on 02/03/2014 at Carrington Hills Apartments, 3750 Carothers Parkway.

The case against Coleman came together when DNA at a Franklin burglary matched DNA found by Huntsville PoliceViewImageFull at a burglary they were investigating. After developing Coleman as a suspect, Huntsville Police obtained his DNA. Coleman’s DNA matched evidence left behind at burglary scenes in both cities.

Emerging science used by crime scene investigators is creating a greater chance for police to identify otherwise unknown offenders. “In our mission to protect citizens from criminals like Coleman, we will continue to deploy every resource we have – our citizens deserve that,” said Deborah Faulkner, Chief of Police. “When good police work and science intersect, great things happen.”

Coleman is currently in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections, in Union Springs. Other suspects who were working with Coleman in the Franklin burglaries remain unidentified, for now.

Crime Couple Wanted for Stealing 23 GPS Units from Walmart; Cash in with Crime Stoppers: (615) 794-4000

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Detectives in Franklin want to identify this couple who shoplifted 23 Garmin brand GPS units from Walmart on 11/18/2014. At 3:16 am, the pair worked together to conceal most of the units in the woman’s purse. Once her purse was full, the male suspect shoved several of the remaining units down his pants. They were in the store for a total of only four minutes during the commission of this felony theft. The two left in an older model white Jeep Cherokee.

 Information about these suspects is worth up to $1,000 with a simple, anonymous call to
Crime Stoppers: (615) 794-4000

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Driver injured after crashing into Chuck E. Cheese’s

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One minor injury was reported after a motorist accidentally drove into a Franklin Chuck E. Cheese’s at 11:03 this morning. The driver, who was taking her 4-year-old grandchild to the restaurant, was in the process of parking when she mistook the gas for the brake and drove through the front of the building. The driver was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries; no one else was hurt. Because of the damage to the building, the business at 3073 Mallory Lane is currently closed. 

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Franklin Police Turn Up the Heat on Season’s Criminals; Holiday security plan good for shoppers, tough on crime

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Franklin PD Sgt. Scott Legieza addressing the crowd

Franklin, TN – Ongoing partnerships between retailers, security, and Franklin Police will make things good for shoppers and bad for criminals during the fast-approaching holiday shopping season. Starting on Black Friday, Franklin Police will deploy a security plan designed to deter, detect, and apprehend retail district criminals.

“We have some of the nicest shopping venues in Middle Tennessee,” said Franklin Police Chief Deborah Faulkner. “This Christmas shopping season, the Franklin Police Department will have zero-tolerance for crime, and criminals. Those who try their hand here, anyway, stand to learn a tough lesson.”

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Gen Mgr David Meadows, CoolSprings Galleria

This morning, CoolSprings Galleria management and security met with retailers to discuss the annual “Not in Our Mall” initiative, overviewing security plans and empowering retailers. At the meeting, Franklin Police Flex Officers and the District Attorney’s Office committed themselves to the season’s fight against crime at the Galleria, and all of Franklin’s shopping districts.

District Attorney General Kim Helper said, “Our Office will continue to prosecute shoplifters, identity thieves, car burglars and the like, who try to take advantage of shoppers, to the fullest extent of the law.”  

Highly visible patrols by uniformed Franklin Police Officers will assure shoppers that they are in good hands. Criminals, however, who make the mistake of shoplifting or breaking into cars, despite the police officers they see, will be arrested by undercover officers posing as the average shopper.

The Franklin Police Department will establish a temporary command post at the CoolSprings Galleria on Black Friday, through the holiday shopping season.

 

Franklin Police Department
Professional, Progressive, Responsive

Franklin Police to Hold DUI Checkpoint, Friday

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Franklin, TN – On the evening of Friday, 11/21/2014, the Franklin Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint on South Royal Oaks Boulevard near Center Point Place.

Beer, Keys and Handcuffs - Drunk Driving ConceptEarlier this year, the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office awarded the Department with a $50,000 grant to use for anti-DUI initiatives including DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols, training, equipment, and overtime for officers working this checkpoint.

In 2013, there were 6,699 known alcohol-related traffic crashes in Tennessee. Nationally, one in three traffic fatalities are a result of an alcohol-impaired-driving crash. “These deaths are preventable,” said Chief Deborah Faulkner. “Driving impaired is not an error in judgment, it’s a choice. Impaired drivers who selfishly risk the safety of Franklin residents will be arrested, period.”

Temperatures are falling; be sure you don’t

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phonescamtaxrefundDecreasing temperatures surely have scam artists preparing to fire up phone calls, emails, and letters threatening to cut off gas or power for non-payment. If you are contacted regarding a ‘delinquent’ utility bill, you should verify the name of the company and the service that they provide; then, hang up and call the company at their phone number listed in the directory. If it’s legit, pay your bill…if it’s not, call police.

You work hard for your money; we work hard to help you be sure that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

17362 Franklin Police Department
Professional, Progressive, Responsive   

21 Promoted Today in Ceremony at Police Headquarters; Family, friends, and colleagues gathered to celebrate

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Franklin, TN – At a ceremony this afternoon at Police Headquarters, Chief Deborah Faulkner promoted 21 Franklin Police Officers following a series of competitive processes. Mayor Ken Moore and City Administrator Eric Stuckey were in attendance and offered their congratulations. This afternoon’s keynote speaker was Mark Emkes. Mr. Emkes, Tennessee’s former Commissioner of Finance, and former President and CEO of Bridgestone Americas, spoke on leadership and the importance of integrity, customer service, and determination. Father Ed Steiner, Rector, of Cathedral of the Incarnation offered the blessing. Chief Deborah Faulkner said, “I was honored to promote these talented individuals and look forward to their continued contributions and service to the public, and our Department.”

 

Lieutenant 
J P Taylor

Sergeant
James Phillips; Charlie Richards; Michael Stephens

Detective
 Herman Gomez; Chris Grant; Cory Kroeger; Craig Wright

Master Patrol Officers
 Amy Butler; Jill Canovan; Andrea Clark; Brad Dorman; Matthew Lamarr;
Brandon Sandrell; Steven Small; Matthew Smalley; Lance Tippit;
Megan Valentin; Brigham VanHook; Zach Wolfe

Franklin Police Department
Professional, Progressive, Responsive
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