NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
● 7500 Maple Avenue ● Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
December 2, 2011 (1:20 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**Taken from Montgomery County Police Department**
Over the course of approximately one year, Deshanue Terry Johnson, age 50, of the 6800 block of Riverdale Road in Riverdale, Maryland, financially exploited four victims in Montgomery County who he perceived to have mental and physical disabilities or deficiencies. Johnson was able to obtain cash from these victims by promising them jobs and also asking them to help pay his bills. In total, Johnson was able to acquire approximately $10,000 in total from these four victims. The Montgomery County Financial Crimes Section and the Montgomery County 4th District Community Services Officer have investigated these four cases. Following is a summary of each of the cases:
In February of 2011, the Montgomery County Financial Crimes Section was contacted by a concerned family member. The family member believed that his 55-year-old relative (victim one), who has physical and mental disabilities, and the relative’s parents, who are in their 80’s, were victims of a financial fraud scheme.
Victim One, Washington, DC resident, $5,000 loss
Fraud detectives began to investigate the case and determined that in or about November of 2010, Johnson met and befriended the 55-year-old female victim at the City Place mall, located at 8661 Colesville Road, in Silver Spring.
Johnson presented himself as a manager of a janitorial staff at a high school and told the victim he could aid her in obtaining a janitorial job at the high school.
From November of 2010 to February of 2011, Johnson obtained money from the victim under false pretenses such as needing money for his electrical bills and expenses for facilitating a job.
During this time period, Johnson financially exploited the victims in Montgomery County in the amount of approximately $800. (Johnson also stole checks and acquired money from the victims at their home in DC. A case was generated by the Metropolitan Police Department). In total, the victims were exploited of approximately $5,000.
On March 5, 2011, detectives issued a warrant for Johnson. He was charged with obtaining property of a vulnerable adult over $500, theft scheme less than $1000, and theft under $1,000. On October 8, 2011, Johnson was served with the warrant and currently has a trial date of December 6, 2011 for these offenses.
In September of 2011, a Community Services Officer in the 4th District was notified by a concerned citizen of possible exploitation of residents at the Inwood House, located at 10921 Inwood Avenue in Silver Spring. (The Inwood House is a residential community serving people with physical and/or mental disabilities). The Community Services Officer interviewed residents and held a community meeting on the issue. He identified three victims of this exploitation; two residents and one of the resident’s mother. Through investigation, the officer identified the suspect as Deshaune Terry Johnson.
Victim Two, Inwood House Resident, $660 loss
The 44-year-old male and resident of the Inwood House met Johnson at the Wheaton Metro in May of 2011.
Johnson told the victim that he would help him get a job as a janitor at a high school but that Johnson needed money for pre-employment expenses. Over a two week period, the victim gave Johnson approximately $660 with the belief that Johnson was helping the victim obtain a job.
Victim Three, Inwood House Resident, $2,300 loss
Another resident of the Inwood House, a 50-year-old male, met Johnson at the Silver Spring metro in May of 2011.
Over the course of approximately four months, Johnson continually asked the victim for assistance in paying his rent and obtained approximately $2,300 from the victim.
Victim Four, Silver Spring Resident and Mother of Victim Three, $1,100 loss
During the time Johnson was obtaining money from victim three, he also obtained approximately $1,100 from victim three’s 78-year-old mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, after telling her that he could help her son get a job with a professional sports team.
On November 23, 2011, police obtained a warrant for Johnson for financially exploiting victims two, three, and four. Johnson is charged with three counts of obtaining property of a vulnerable adult over $500, one count of theft scheme less than $1000, and four counts of theft scheme: $1,000 to $10,000. Johnson was arrested by Montgomery County police officers on these charges on November 29th . Johnson remains in the custody of Montgomery County Detention Center on $50,000 bond.
The Montgomery County Police Department is concerned that there may be additional victims of Johnson’s exploitation. If someone believes that he/she may have been a victim or believes a loved one may have been victimized, please call the 4th District Community Service Officer at 240-773-5500.
***A photograph of Johnson is being sent with this release.***
