WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Two men, accused in what police said was a multi-state larceny scheme, have been arrested.
Westfield Police said that a city resident was a victim of a scam several weeks ago in which he sold a Rolex watch and was paid with a fake cashier’s check. Investigators learned that the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Leslie Pinkerton of White Plains, NY, had reportedly used the same scheme on other victims in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
Investigators were able to work with a friend of the first victim, who posted a similar watch for sale. The friend was reportedly contacted Pinkerton, who agreed to meet in the Westfield Police Department lobby to buy the watch.
Pinkerton went to the police station and was taken into custody. The driver of the vehicle who brought Pinkerton to the location, 29-year-old Dane Cooper-Rich of East Orange, NJ, was found to be unlicensed and was taken into custody.
During a search of the vehicle, police reportedly found oxycodone pills and psilocybin, which investigators described as magic mushrooms, were found in the vehicle.
Pinkerton and Cooper-Rich are both facing drug and motor vehicle-related charges. Pinkerton is facing additional charges of two counts of larceny over $1,200 by a single scheme.
Westfield Police noted that the investigation remains ongoing and it’s possible that additional charges may be filed. They noted that Pinkerton is also has pending charges in other jurisdictions in connection with the investigation.
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