Boston
AI Assisted Icon
Published on November 07, 2024
Boston Man Charged in Alleged Tow Truck Extortion Scam, Co-Defendant to Be Arraigned LaterSource: Google Street View

A Boston man is facing a slew of charges after an alleged tow truck scam went wrong, according to the Suffolk District Attorney's office. Tyrone Rutledge, 33, was charged with a number of offenses including attempt to commit a crime, extortion by false report of a crime, and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, as per Suffolk County District Attorney.

The situation came to light when a woman reported to Boston police that she was being extorted for the return of her car, which had been towed, Rutledge claimed the vehicle was improperly registered and without insurance, which proved to be untrue, yet he demanded $300 for its return, the incident unfolded on November 2 around 10:05 p.m. when officers met with the victim on Walk Hill Street, Rutledge was spotted swapping seats with a female companion just as officers arrived. Both were eventually taken into custody after failing to comply with police commands; the female, identified as Brittney Rivera, is to be arraigned at a later date.

In a courtroom follow-up, Judge Maureen Flaherty, of West Roxbury BMC, set bail for Rutledge at $100 and scheduled a pre-trial hearing for December 11, as reported by authorities, Rutledge will also face charges in a pending firearm case set for trial in February 2025. After his arraignment, he was transported to Dedham District Court for a probation violation hearing related to a different case where he received a suspended sentence for receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

Commending the victim’s courage, District Attorney Kevin Hayden stressed the importance of reporting such crimes stating, “The only way we can move forward on these types of crimes is when victims come forward rather than simply giving in to whatever scam is being attempted on them," this proactive stance is part of a larger effort to combat financial exploitation, with the recently launched Suffolk County Fraud Fighters initiative aiming to protect particularly older adults from scams and financial fraud. The next presentation by the Fraud Fighters is set for November 20, coinciding with International Fraud Awareness Week, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney.

All individuals charged in connection with this case are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Suffolk County District Attorney office, serving the Boston area and neighboring communities, handles thousands of cases annually and employs a substantial team to provide a gamut of services to those entangled with the criminal justice system.