Four people were arrested this weekend in connection with conning Yazoo County residents out of $2,000. Investigators later discovered the suspects could be involved with a ring that spans over two other counties.
Edgar Barfield was charged with felony false pretense and possession of stolen property. Chantel Womack was charged with accessory to false pretense and possession of stolen property. Keith Scales and Danna Faircloth were both charged with accessory to false pretense.
Terry Gann, chief investigator with the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department, said the investigation began about a week ago after several calls reported a black male in his early 50s arriving at houses asking for money.
“He claimed his daughter and grandchild were involved in a car wreck, and he was asking for money to help with funeral arrangements,” Gann said. “Some people were handing over $300 to $400 at a time.”
The investigation led to discovering the checks cashed at banks under the Chantal Womack’s name. The discovery led to the identity of Edgar Barfield, who was identified as the man asking for funeral donations.
“Barfield would con people out of their money, and put the check in Womack’s name who would later cash the checks,” Gann said. “Also, Barfield was paying Keith Scales to let him use his car. Scales was with Barfield, who drove the vehicle.”
The vehicle was a black Mercury Grand Marquis. Another suspect, Danna Faircloth, was also added to the list of suspects.
“Tips from the public led us to Highway 3 where the vehicle had been seen,” Gann said. “All four suspects were apprehended there.”
Gann said within Yazoo County alone, the suspects conned residents out of $2,000.
“We also received calls from Sharkey and Warren counties about this,” Gann said. “And it is possible that Barfield had a warrant out of Alabama for this same thing.”
All four suspects remained in jail as of press time.
