(May 22, 2014) -- On May 17, 2014 several concerned citizens in Roanoke County and Roanoke City informed authorities that a suspicious phone call had been placed to their residences by a person stating that they had missed jury duty and that payment of $330.00 was due immediately to avoid being arrested for contempt of court. The caller identified himself as a Lieutenant Morgan Sharp and stated that payment must be made by either cash or debit card.
This is a fraudulent scheme and should citizens receive such a phone call, do not provide any payment or other information to the caller and report the incident to the police immediately. It is not the policy of the Sheriff’s office to request payment from citizens in this manner. This is a scam and any contact with the individual making these phone calls should be reported immediately by calling your local non-emergency E-911 number.