04/09/2026
And yet another scam and another warning! These people are getting very sophisticated! Read the message below from our Lake County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Frank Leonbruno â ď¸â ď¸â ď¸
Jury Duty Scam Alert for our area
Today, the Lake County Sheriffâs Office has received multiple phone calls from concerned residents stating they received a phone call from a Sgt. John Kelley or a âNicoleâ with the Lake County Sheriffâs Office regarding missed jury duty, or an active warrant for their arrest. The person claiming to be Sgt. Kelley or a âNicoleâ will then ask for money in lieu of jury duty or the person being taken into custody on their warrant. The Lake County Sheriffâs Office would not ask for money over the phone, nor do we accept payments over the phone for bond in lieu of an arrest. Any such request is a scam. If you receive a call or message of this type requesting any funds, please call the Lake County Sheriffâs Office at (440) 350-5620 or submit a tip through the Lake County Sheriffâs Office App.
A few months ago, my wife and I were at a volleyball game and she received a call. The man said he was Sgt. David Longworth with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the call was being recorded. He asked why she had not appeared for jury duty and if she had a good reason for missing. She turned to me and asked if I knew who Sgt. Longworth was because he was asking her about jury duty. I told her we didn't have a Sgt. Longworth and told her to let me speak to him. She told him "My husband is the Sheriff and he would like to speak to you." Suddenly, Sgt. Long worth hung up. Obviously my wife knew it was scam intended to get her to pay money over the phone.
THIS IS A SCAM!!! The Sheriffâs Office, any Police Agency, any federal agency or any COURT will NEVER request that you pay a fine by phone, purchase gift cards or threaten arrest unless you pay an amount of money upfront. If you are in doubt that the person calling you is a Lake County Sheriffâs Deputy, do not provide the person any information and contact our Office immediately.
Sheriff Frank Leonbruno