Columbus, WI – Authorities in Columbia County have arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged elder fraud scheme involving tens of thousands of dollars, following a multi-agency investigation across southeastern Wisconsin.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the case stems from a reported fraud incident in the Town of Columbus on Tuesday, April 1. Investigators say additional couriers were later identified as having collected a large amount of cash from the victim prior to the fraud being reported.
The delivery allegedly took place on March 25 in the area of Dix Street businesses in the City of Columbus. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from multiple nearby businesses, which captured the suspects’ activities before and after the cash exchange. A vehicle linked to the couriers was also identified.
According to authorities, that same vehicle was later located in Pewaukee on Tuesday, April 15, by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office. Both suspects were inside and taken into custody without incident. They were later transferred to Columbia County Jail.
The suspects have been identified as Jhon Cristian Corman Espino, 37, of Joliet, Illinois, and Delfina Guzman Coronado, 44, also of Joliet. According to officials, both individuals are believed to be in the United States illegally from Peru, and federal immigration authorities have been notified.
Both face a charge of theft by false representation involving $10,000 to $100,000, with an elder victim enhancement. Coronado is also being held on a detainer.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are possible. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by our editorial team with assistance from automated tools. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
