A man accused of running a scam that defrauded over 30 senior citizens has been arrested by deputies from Harris County Constable Precinct 7.
According to court documents, Shawn Shoemaker was a Baker Ripley volunteer at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center.
Investigators say Shoemaker promised a group of seniors a trip to the Martin Luther King Museum in Atlanta and the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, collecting $128 in cash from each victim for a trip that never happened.
During a news conference Wednesday morning, Constable James “Smokey” Phillips said more than 25 seniors fell victim to the scam, many of whom live on fixed incomes and used money from their Social Security or retirement checks.
The promised trip was scheduled for March, and had its date changed twice before it was ultimately canceled without any refunds.
Deputy Investigator J. King, who led the case, said Shoemaker was identified through community reports and multiple complaints from seniors at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center, where he had access to the victims.
Phillips said it’s disheartening to see vulnerable seniors exploited, especially in a case like this that was tied to a trip celebrating Black History Month.
Officials said it’s unlikely the victims will see their money returned unless restitution is ordered during sentencing if Shoemaker is convicted.
As part of its efforts to protect seniors, Constable Precinct 7 operates a program called RUOK, which regularly checks in on seniors by phone and offers resources to help them avoid scams and stay connected with local law enforcement.
The Houston Health Department released a statement on the incident:
HHD remains committed to protecting our seniors and ensuring they can safely engage in programs with trust and peace of mind. A program volunteer remains in custody after his arrest by Precinct 7 Constables for defrauding seniors at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center. City officials took swift action upon learning of the allegations, launching an internal investigation, notifying law enforcement, and fully cooperating with authorities. The individual has been barred from all Baker Ripley and HHD programs. We will continue to work to maintain the integrity of all our senior services.
Anyone who suspects a senior may be the victim of a scam is urged to contact the department at 713-643-6118 or 713-643-6602.