WEST HOLLYWOOD—The suspect responsible for scamming more than a dozen elderly motorists by falsely claiming they were involved in traffic collisions and demanding money pled not guilty in court on August 1.

 

David Stevens, 43, is facing up to 22 counts including first-degree residential burglary with a person present, grand theft from an elder, extortion and attempting to bribe an executive officer. According to a press release from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, the suspect was held to answer new charges last month by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor. His bail was set at $1 million and Stevens is expected back in court on August 28 for his pre-trial hearing.

 

Deputy District Attorney John Pomeroy of the Elder Abuse Section indicated that Stevens would approach elderly motorists who were driving alone and tell them they were involved in a traffic collision and asked the victims to give him money for alleged vehicle damage and personal injuries caused by the accident. Such incidents occurred in the San Fernando Valley, West Hollywood,
Hollywood and West Los Angeles.

 

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Stevens would pretend to call a mechanic to get a quote over the phone and inform the elderly victim of the quote and follow them to their bank or ATM to withdraw the cash for the repairs. In some cases, the suspect would follow the victims to their homes to collect the funds and would return on multiple occasions to continue to demand money. He was arrested by authorities on January 29, 2014.

 

When Stevens was taken into custody by authorities he complained about health issues and was taken to the hospital to be treated. While at the hospital, he attempted to bribe two officers if they helped him escape. His victims range from the ages of 62 to 92 years old. If convicted of all charges, the suspect could face up to 18 years and eight months in state prison.