On Monday, September 21, 2020, the Marshalltown Police Department became aware of a situation in which a representative of an insurance company was making private contact with customers and clients requesting additional deductible payments of $1,000.00. Customers were led to believe that these payments were owed to maintain their insurance. These payments were to be made in cash to the suspect. The suspect arranged to meet with customers at their home in person to collect the payments.
After being made aware of this arrangement, the Marshalltown Police Department Detectives met with victims, and did surveillance of one of the arranged meetings. The suspect did meet with the customer, and then left the residence. The police department was able to stop the suspect after he left the residence. It was determined that he had indeed taken payment from the victims. The suspect, Oscar Sanchez, age 33, of West Des Moines, Iowa, was arrested and charged with Theft in the 3rd Degree.
Additional victims have been identified and this investigation remains active. If you have any information about this or any other crime, please contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641.754.5725. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 641.753.1234 or via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com. All tips are completely anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.
Questions about this media release should be directed to Lt. Tricia Thein via email at pthein@marshalltown-ia.gov or via telephone at 641.754.5725.
(A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.)