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Alleged 'grandparent scammers' charged in Rhode Island for role in targeting seniors

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Alleged 'grandparent scammers' charged in Rhode Island for role in targeting seniors


Two men are facing federal charges for their alleged roles in “grandparent scams” in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, according to the Warwick Police Department.

Jason Rhodes, 34, of Flushing, New York, and Robert Munoz, 29, of Miami, Florida, have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. 

The two were released on unsecured bond and GPS monitoring after appearing before a federal magistrate judge on Friday.

Rhodes and Munoz were allegedly operating as couriers and collected approximately $230,000 from unsuspecting seniors.

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ELDERLY RHODE ISLAND RESIDENTS CHEATED OUT OF OVER $300K COMBINED IN SCAM, 3 SENT TO PRISON

They were arrested back in March when a victim reported to Warwick police that they had been scammed, which police were able to identify as an ongoing scheme.

The scams often target grandparents or the elderly via phone calls claiming that a loved one needs bail money because they have been arrested. The courier will then attempt to collect the money posing as another family member or attorney. 

Warwick police night detectives worked with Special Operations Group, Financial Crimes and Criminal Investigations units, as well as the victims, to set up an operation to capture Rhodes as he was arriving at a victim’s residence to collect the victim’s money. It was then that they recognized him from a similar scam that had been reported in Rhode Island.

Detectives were able to take Rhodes into custody following a short foot pursuit. Munoz, who was the alleged getaway driver, was also arrested.

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The Warwick Police Department arrested two men for their alleged roles in “grandparent scams” in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. (iStock)

ELDERLY AMERICANS SCAMMED OUT OF MILLIONS BY FOREIGNERS POSING AS GRANDCHILDREN IN TROUBLE

A warrant was then issued for a hotel room in Munoz’s name where the detectives seized evidence connecting the two to other “grandparent scams,” $60,000 in cash and other items.

The Warwick Police Department urges anyone who believes they may be a victim of this scam or a similar one to contact their respective police department.

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If you or someone you know is aged 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).



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RI Lottery Mega Millions, Numbers Midday winning numbers for April 24, 2026

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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 24, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 24 drawing

07-16-32-35-40, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Numbers numbers from April 24 drawing

Midday: 0-4-5-0

Evening: 7-4-2-2

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from April 24 drawing

05-11-19-29-36, Extra: 02

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
  • Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
  • Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
  • Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
  • Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
  • Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Six animals test positive for rabies in Providence County, health officials warn – What’s Up Newp

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Six animals test positive for rabies in Providence County, health officials warn – What’s Up Newp


At least six animals in Providence County have tested positive for rabies over the past six weeks, the Rhode Island Department of Health said Friday, prompting a renewed warning to residents to steer clear of wildlife and keep pet vaccinations current.

Since March 12, three raccoons in Burrillville, one bat and one coyote in Lincoln, and one raccoon in Providence have tested positive for the virus, according to the department, known as RIDOH. Test results on a raccoon from North Smithfield are pending.

Rabies vector species in Rhode Island include bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, groundhogs and beavers, the department said. The virus attacks the central nervous system and, without prompt medical care after exposure, can cause fatal brain disease. Health officials stressed that treatment must begin as soon as possible after a suspected exposure and that people should not wait for symptoms to develop.

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Residents who see a wild animal behaving erratically should not approach it and should contact their local animal control officer, RIDOH said. Anyone who has physical contact with a wild animal, or who wakes up to find a bat in their home, should call RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 401-222-2577 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 401-276-8046 after hours.

People bitten or scratched should wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately, the department said. Pet owners whose animals tangle with wildlife should contact their municipal animal control officer and RIDOH.

State law requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be up to date on rabies vaccinations. Health officials said vaccinating pets protects the animals and prevents people from being exposed to the virus through them.

To reduce the risk of rabies, RIDOH recommends that residents avoid contact with stray or free-roaming domestic animals and wild animals, refrain from feeding either, and keep pet food indoors to avoid attracting wildlife. The department also urges owners to walk dogs on leashes or confine them to fenced yards, report all animal bites to local animal control, and secure garbage cans against scavenging animals.

More information is available at www.health.ri.gov/rabies.

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Silver Alert issued for missing man in Cumberland, RI

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Silver Alert issued for missing man in Cumberland, RI


Police in Cumberland, Rhode Island, issued a Silver Alert for a missing 83-year-old man they say is endangered.

John “Jack” Thornhill was last seen around 7:30 a.m. Thursday at his home in the Branch Avenue neighborhood, police said. He is believed to have left on foot.

Thornhill is described as having white hair and brown eyes with glasses.

When he was last seen, Thornhill was wearing a red sweatshirt, grey gym shorts and Crocs.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 401-333-2500 or dial 911.



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