Acting on a complaint from an elderly resident who had been scammed by someone identifying himself as a police officer, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives and Louisiana State Probation and Parole agents arrested Charles Gates, 44, a resident of Thigpen Road in Franklinton.

According to the victim, Gates, who allegedly identified himself as a law enforcement officer, called three times asking for money to help a relative of the victim. The victim was instructed to send a total of $150 by Western Union. The victim complied and realized later that she had been scammed.

Gates was traced through his cell phone number which he used to contact the victim while allegedly posing as a law enforcement officer.

Gates was placed in the Washington Parish Jail on May 9 with his bond set at $60,518. He is charged with:

• Impersonating a police officer
• Fugitive from another jurisdiction
• Failure to appear—misdemeanor

“No law enforcement officer will ever call and ask for money over the telephone,” stated Sheriff Randy Seal. “I regret very much that this lady was scammed out of $150, and I am glad our detectives could identity Gates and make the arrest.”