CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Two men have been arrested in connection with a PayPal scam that defrauded a Ross County resident of nearly $59,000, according to Ross County Sheriff George W. Lavender Jr.
The sheriff’s office was alerted to the scam on October 20, 2025, after a resident reported losing $44,000 through an electronic transfer and an additional $15,000 in cash when two suspects arrived at his home to collect money in person.
The suspects later attempted to contact the victim again to demand even more money, Sheriff Lavender said.
Following a joint investigation with the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, authorities arrested 33-year-old Rodrigo Garcia-Lavera and 28-year-old Neiker Jose Rodriguez Teran. Deputies recovered and seized more than $15,000 in cash from the suspects during the arrest.
Sheriff Lavender said his office has also contacted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for assistance as the investigation continues. Preliminary findings suggest that neither suspect was in the United States legally.
“This remains an active investigation, and additional charges may be filed,” Lavender said. “Anyone who has had contact with these suspects is urged to contact the Ross County Sheriff’s Office at 740-773-1185.”
