The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Georgia man in connection with a sophisticated phone scam targeting local residents.
Sheriff Gary Driskell reports that Donovan Kobie Baptiste, 22, of Valdosta, Georgia, was taken into custody following an investigation into a fraudulent scheme involving impersonation of law enforcement.
According to investigators, the scam began when a victim received a call from a blocked number. The caller falsely identified himself as a law enforcement officer, using the name “Sergeant Michael Thomas,” and provided personal details about the victim’s family to gain trust.
The suspect then claimed a family member had been arrested and needed a $7,000 bond for release.
To make the situation seem legitimate, the caller:
Used real personal information such as names, birthdays, and addresses
Transferred the victim to a second individual posing as a bail bondsman
Pressured the victim to send $700 (10% of the bond) using apps like Apple Pay, PayPal, and Cash App
The victims became suspicious of the high-pressure tactics and contacted the sheriff’s office directly. Officials confirmed the call was fraudulent and that no bond existed.
Their quick action helped deputies identify Baptiste as a suspect and secure an arrest warrant.
Authorities in Georgia located and arrested Baptiste. He was later transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking.
He has since been released on a $25,000 bond.
Sheriff Driskell is reminding the public:
👉 Law enforcement will never request bond payments over the phone
👉 Do not send money through apps, gift cards, or wire transfers
👉 Always verify by calling your local jail or sheriff’s office directly
This case serves as a reminder to stay alert. Scammers are becoming more convincing, often using real personal information to trick victims.
Thanks to the victims’ awareness and quick thinking, this scam was stopped before any money was lost.
