(COLUMBUS) A Columbia County woman who was tricked into handing over thousands of dollars is now at the center of a wider investigation, with two more people arrested in connection to the scam.
Authorities say these latest arrests tie back to an earlier cash pickup — days before deputies stopped two other suspects during a controlled delivery in Columbus.
Investigators now believe another pair of couriers picked up a large amount of cash from the woman on March 25 in the area of Dix Street. Surveillance video from nearby businesses helped detectives track their movements and identify the vehicle they used.
That vehicle turned up again last week in Pewaukee. On April 15, deputies in Waukesha County found it and took two people into custody.
Columbia County authorities identified them as Jhon Cristian Corman Espino, 37, and Delfina Guzman Coronado, 44, both of Joliet, Illinois. Investigators say both are accused of acting as couriers in the scam.
They’re now in the Columbia County Jail, facing charges of theft by false representation involving between $10,000 and $100,000, with an older adult listed as the victim.
Federal immigration authorities have also been notified. Investigators say both suspects are believed to be in the United States illegally, and a detainer has been placed on Guzman Coronado.
This is the second round of arrests tied to the case.
Earlier this month, deputies arrested two other men during a planned operation after the scammers tried to collect more money from the victim. In that case, investigators intercepted a package they believed contained cash and stopped the suspects’ vehicle in Columbus.
The investigation started April 1, when a family member reported the woman had already lost money and was being pressured to send more.
Authorities say the scam began with a compromised cellphone and spiraled into threats and false claims, eventually convincing the woman to hand over cash to people posing as couriers.
Investigators believe the operation may stretch beyond Wisconsin and could involve victims in other states.
The case is still active, and more arrests are possible.
