New Jersey duo arrested in Washington County, Tenn. scam investigation

by Caleb Perhne

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. — A New Jersey duo are in the Washington County, Tennessee jail, accused of scamming a resident in our region out of more than $100,000.

Chinagorom Onwumere and Salma Abdalkareem are each facing numerous charges, including multiple counts of extortion, financial exploitation of an elderly person, theft over $60,000, and criminal impersonation.

Lt. Vince Walters said it's the only time he's seen an alleged scammer caught in his 27 years.

“We put as much resources into every case we have,” Walters said. “The difference in this case was the evidence was there. We were able to follow the money, and it led us to the New Jersey duo and we were able to make an arrest.”

Investigators said the two New Jersey residents pretended to be with the FBI and scammed a Washington County, Tennessee resident out of more than $100,000. They said the suspects threatened the victim with arrest and court if the victim didn't pay thousands of dollars through checks and gift cards.

Investigators said that's a red flag, something law enforcement will never do.

“They're not going to put out an arrest warrant and let you know over the phone that they've put an arrest warrant out,” Walters said. “And there's no way that you can pay to get out of it.”

The suspects are now in jail, each on $500,000 bonds. They're due back in court November 30.

“We're not going to set on the sidelines and put up with it,” Walters said. “Our citizens are valued. Our citizens of the United States are valued. Our money is hard-earned, and we are vigilant in finding these individuals.”

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New Jersey duo arrested in Washington County, Tenn. scam investigation