Bank scam suspects arrested minutes after stealing 5K from victim PCSO

Laurentz Simprevil and Steve Castamby were apprehended by Pinellas County deputies shortly after allegedly stealing $5,000 from a Tarpon Springs resident as part of a sophisticated bank scam. The incident began when the victim received a fraudulent call from an individual posing as a Bank of America employee, who instructed them to place cash in a sealed bag. Following the instructions, the victim was approached by the two suspects, with Castamby taking the money directly from the mailbox. Deputies observed the theft and attempted to pull over the suspects' vehicle, leading to a chaotic pursuit. Simprevil fled on foot, discarding the cash into a nearby creek before being captured with the assistance of a K-9 unit.

Castamby, meanwhile, admitted to taking the bag but claimed ignorance about its contents. Both men are now facing serious charges, including grand theft and resisting an officer without violence, and have since bonded out of jail. This case highlights the ongoing issue of scams targeting unsuspecting victims in the community, prompting law enforcement to issue warnings about such fraudulent activities.