A local law enforcement officer has received an award for his work on a case that targeted a senior citizen.
In March, local law enforcement was notified that a 77-year-old woman had been defrauded of $21,000 after clicking on a fake link that led her to believe child pornography was on her phone. The victim withdrew money in separate transactions from her account under the scammer’s direction which was then picked up by the suspect in-person.
With assistance from the Virginia State Police and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office TRIAD Unit, Orange County Investigator Boyce Gilbert coordinated and conducted a sting operation and the suspect arrived at the victim’s home where he was arrested. Oles Kovalchuk of Staten Island, NY was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses and trespassing after being forbidden.
In Orange County Circuit Court, Kovalchuk pleaded guilty to the trespassing charge and received a 12 month suspended sentence. The fraud charge was nol prossed. He has since repaid $21,000 to the victim and identified the person who sent him to the victim’s home–Vladyslav Novoseltsev. Novoseltsev fled the country five days after Kovalchuk’s arrest. Warrants have been issued should he ever return to the United States.
Orange County Investigator Boyce Gilbert was recognized for his work on the case. During last week’s Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting, he received an award from the Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council for his exceptional dedication to protecting senior citizens from financial exploitation.
“Deputy Gilbert’s dedication to the investigation of this case reflects his professionalism and commitment to the citizens of Orange County,” the award read. “Deputy Gilbert was promoted to investigator while working on this case.”
District 5 Supervisor Bryan Nichol congratulated Gilbert on a job well done, noting this is the exact type of thing TRIAD and the SALT council focus on.
“This is the kind of thing we do,” Nichol said. “I’m glad he took action.”
