Authorities Warn of Intimidating Con in Port Chester

Police are warning people to guard against con artists after a bizarre case of deception and intimidation on Midland Avenue Thursday.

The 27-year-old victim was washing his clothes inside a 140 Midland Avenue laundromat at 11 a.m. when a woman came up to him and asked to speak to him outside, Lt. James Ladeairous said.

The victim, a Port Chester man, asked the woman why she couldn't talk to him inside the laundromat, but she insisted they go outside, and he eventually followed. She led him across the street, in front of a nearby Dunkin Donuts, where a heavily-built man was waiting.

The man told the victim pointedly: You owe me $5,000. The confused victim said he didn't understand and didn't even know his accuser, and the heavyset man said he'd left $5,000 in the laundromat. That money was gone, he said, and he wanted it back.

Again, the confused victim said he didn't know what was going on, and the large man proposed a deal -- he'd take the victim's wallet and jewelry, and they'd call it even.

The victim complied, handing over two gold chains from around his neck, a gold bracelet, and his wallet, which contained $180. Afterward, the big man and his female accomplice walked off in separate directions, Ladeairous said -- the man walked south on Midland Avenue, and the woman turned toward Leonard Street.

The victim went back to the laundromat, finished washing his clothes, brought them home -- then returned to the laundromat, where he called police. Officers responded and took the report.

Ladeairous said the incident had the markings of a con game, but intimidation was also likely a factor. Police want to know if anyone else has encountered the pair.

"Some of these people will not come forward if it does happen to them, and if something like this happens, we do want them to come forward," he said. "We want to make sure other people don't get stung by the same thing."

The woman was described as about five feet, two inches tall, wearing a red and white blouse and blue pants. She was Hispanic, with a medium complexion and long brown hair. Her accomplice was described as a Hispanic man, about six feet tall, with a heavy build, a white shirt, khaki shorts and a dark complexion.

Anyone who encounters the pair can call the Port Chester Police Department at 914-939-1000. All calls will be kept confidential.