A woman who was targeting the elderly in Milton last month appears to be behind bars and awaiting extradition back to Santa Rosa County. Rebecca Jean Smith, 44, was arrested in Walton County Georgia. Smith is also wanted on charges from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office and the Pensacola Police Department. Last month Smith allegedly robbed four elderly ladies at their homes by taking their purses. According to Sgt. Scott Haines, public information officer at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, the unknown female has committed these crimes on July 29, Aug. 6, Aug. 8, and most recently on Aug. 11. One occurrence was in Milton on North Ave., while the other three have been just outside of Milton's city limits at Wilmar Ave., Meadowlark Lane and Water St. Smith is facing charges of four felony counts of illegal use of credit cards to obtain over $300, two counts of felony burglary of a dwelling, five counts of felony larceny grand theft, one count of felony larceny over $300 from a person over 65, two violation of probation charges, and two counts of misdemeanor petit theft. Smith is believed to be the individual who introduced herself as "Nancy" to one of the victims. According to Haines, "Nancy" approached the victim's residence and knocked on the door saying that her 'puppy is lost' and then ask for a drink of water. After engaging the homeowner in small talk she will later take any purse in view and run out the door. Immediately she will use the credit cards at a convenience store or retail business. A second time she supposedly took a purse off a table while the resident was in the back yard. That resident realized her purse was missing after getting a call from her credit card company for irregular activity on her account. According to Haines the suspect drives a late model Dodge Dakota two-door truck with a toolbox on the back. The Sheriff’s Office asks all citizens to be aware of this tactic, and to spread the word to others; especially elderly females. Reports indicate surveillance photos led to individuals identifying Smith and contacting the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office to identify her.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Alleged elderly scammer arrested in Georgia