The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about an ongoing series of scams targeting relatives and friends of incarcerated individuals, and other members of our community.
Scammers are using public jail records and caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though they’re legitimate law enforcement officers or jail staff. They may claim to be someone from our office by using names like Derrick Diggs, Kenny Poston, Sgt. Collins, Lt. Jon Leach, Lt. Kurt Weber or even a fake name like Sgt. Paul Walker.
These con artists often tell victims that:
- There’s a warrant out for their arrest,
- Money is needed for an inmate’s bond, rehabilitation program, or probation fees, or
- A legal matter must be “settled immediately.”
- They have fake radios in the background making it appear as if they are real police officers.
- They use pressure tactics and may even tell you not tell anyone about your "warrant" or "missed court date."
- They used tactics to impersonate our actual phone numbers! Always call us back directly or call our non-emergency number for verificaiton at 419-255-8443.
⚠️ Do not believe these claims! They are all false! WE WILL NEVER (EVER) call anyone to demand or ask for a payment for anything for any reason!!!! We like gift cards, but why would we use those for a fine? We don't even know how to use Bit Coin!!!
Here’s what you need to know:
✅ The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office will never call, text, or email you to request money for an inmate’s bond, release, or participation in any program.
✅ We will never ask for payment to resolve a warrant or legal issue.
✅ A legitimate officer will never accept or demand payment of any kind over the phone.
If you receive a suspicious call:
📞 Hang up immediately.
🚫 Do not give out personal information or send any money.
📍 Report the incident to the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office at our non-emergency number: 419-255-8443.
These scams are designed to prey on fear and confusion — don’t fall for it. Stay alert, protect yourself, and remind your family, friends, and coworkers to do the same. Together, we can stop these miscreants from victimizing our community.
Hang up. Stay safe. Spread the word.