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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Crime Stoppers Boss Busted in Texas

DALLAS (CN) - The former head of Dallas Crime Stoppers, a Dallas police officer, was arrested and charged with stealing $250,000 from the tip line's cash rewards, federal prosecutors said. Senior Cpl. Theadora Ross and co-defendant Malva Delley were both charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Crime Stoppers guarantees tipsters anonymity so they can call in without fear of retribution. The tipsters receive tip numbers and a code word to use if they become eligible for a cash reward. The number and code word get them a reward when they present it at a JP Morgan Chase Bank.

Prosecutors say Ross provided Delley and the bank with bogus tip numbers and code words, and the women split the take.

"From February 2005 through May 2010, the conspirators collected at least $250,000 in cash rewards for bogus tips, resulting in a loss to the North Texas Crime Commission," which oversees Crime Stoppers, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in announcing the arrests. "However, no false arrests were made based on Ross's actions."

If convicted, Ross, 50, of Rowlett, and Delley, 36, of Dallas, each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

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