Man in custody in elder abuse case

A 46-year-old Chinese man arrested Monday in connections with an alleged elder scam didn’t blink at the estimated $10,000 cost of an attorney in court on Wednesday.

Minglong Chen, 46, appeared with attorney Brian Filter representing him for bail purposes in East Fork Justice Court on Wednesday.

Chen is accused of being a member of a group who used threats to intimidate someone into giving them around $68,000.

When asked if he could afford an attorney, Chen asked East Fork Justice of the Peace Paul Gilbert how much it would cost.

Gilbert was clear he’s doesn’t set attorneys fees but guessed it could cost Chen upwards $10,000.

“That’s fine,” Chen said through an interpreter.

“He does have family here who can help him hire an attorney,” Filter said. “I’d like to see if the court will appoint a defender for him in case those efforts fail.”

Gilbert agreed to appoint an attorney while Chen’s family works on hiring an attorney and continued the case to Sept. 18.

Filter said that because Chen is on an immigration hold, discussing bail was academic.

Members of the Douglas County Street Enforcement Team made contact with Chen on Monday afternoon as he went to pick up more money from an elderly person, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

He was contacted and taken into custody on charges of conspiracy, extortion, exploitation of the elderly.

His initial bail set by the jail is $100,000. He also has an immigration hold.

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A 46-year-old man was arrested on Monday after an investigation involving an alleged elder scam.

Minglong Chen, 46, is scheduled to appear in East Fork Justice Court on Wednesday.

Chen is accused of being a member of a group who used threats to intimidate someone into giving them around $68,000.

Members of the Douglas County Street Enforcement Team made contact with Chen on Monday afternoon as he went to pick up more money from an elderly person, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

He was contacted and taken into custody on charges of conspiracy, extortion, exploitation of the elderly.

His initial bail set by the jail is $100,000. He also has an immigration hold.