A Texas con man's ruse came crashing down after he was handed an eight-year prison sentence for duping an elderly woman during what was supposed to be a routine move. Jonathan Ruiz Oviedo, 31, posed as a legitimate mover only to scam 80-year-old Rosemary Merlino out of her prized possessions and cash, authorities from the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.
The ordeal began when Merlino, upon seeing Oviedo working on another moving task in her Cedar Park apartment complex, decided to employ his services in August 2021. Merlino was bilked out of approximately $26,000 worth of property, including jewelry, clothing, and furniture. According to KXAN, Oviedo agreed to move and store her belongings for several months for $600, a service he never provided.
In a cruel twist, the scammer demanded additional payment when Merlino sought the return of her items. Oviedo's capture came days after his arrest on unrelated charges in Denton County on February 6, followed by a court order to return the stolen goods, as reported by CBS Austin. However, after failing to comply and subsequent re-arrest on September 21, 2023, Oviedo landed back in custody.
"This case is a reminder that there are criminals out there who prey on the vulnerable and the elderly," Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick was quoted in KXAN interviews. He vowed continued vigilance against such "harmful scams" by prosecuting to "the fullest extent of the law." Indeed, the law has clamped down hard on Oviedo, who, in addition to his hefty prison term, has been saddled with a $5,000 fine.
