A 3-YEAR-OLD BOY WAS STRUCK BY GUNFIRE AS POLICE BURST INTO A BARRICADED ROOM, ENDING A FRIGHTENING HOSTAGE SITUATION.(PHOTO).

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 A Mother's Day Nightmare in Princeton, Illinois. A 3-year-old boy was struck by gunfire as police burst into a barricaded room, ending a frightening hostage situation. Multiple agencies responded to the Hummingbird Mobile Home Park in Princeton, Illinois, on Sunday, May 10th at 2:42 a.m. The initial call went out as a domestic disturbance but officers discovered much worse.  42-year-old, Anthony Rodriguez, had barricaded himself in a room armed with a knife. Anthony had taken several people as hostages, including Aurora Almanza and her 3-year-old son.  Multiple agencies were on the scene, including the Bureau County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police and  the Princeton Police Department.  Authorities attempted to negotiate but ultimately rushed the room when they heard screaming coming from inside.  Officials have reported that officers fired shots as they entered the room. Anthony Rodriguez was hit and was neutralized.  Sadly, Aurora Almanza's t...

NIGERIAN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO $3M ROMANCE SCAM TARGETING ELDERLY AMERICANS. (PHOTO).


 Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to $3M Romance Scam Targeting Elderly Americans

A 47-year-old Nigerian, Darlington Akporugo, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy in a U.S. court over a large-scale romance scam that defrauded elderly victims of over $3 million, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.


The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that Akporugo was a key player in a Houston-based scam that targeted individuals across the United States, from Chicago to Kentucky. Working with accomplices, he posed as a romantic partner online, gaining victims’ trust before persuading them to send money to bank accounts under his control.


Details of the Scheme

Akporugo, an illegal immigrant in the U.S., pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy.

The scam involved over 25 victims, mostly elderly or retired individuals.

He used fake identities on social media platforms like Facebook to lure victims, convincing them to send money for fraudulent business ventures or fake personal emergencies.

Victims also opened credit lines in his name, and one even purchased a luxury vehicle for him.

Much of the stolen money was transferred overseas.


Law Enforcement Response

ICE Special Agent Chad Plantz condemned the scam, stating:

“This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerable, defrauding them of their hard-earned savings. Thanks to victims who bravely came forward, we were able to expose this scheme and hold them accountable.”


Authorities arrested Akporugo just a month before his wedding, during an extensive multi-year investigation led by ICE.


Legal Consequences

Sentencing Date: June 6, 2025

Potential Penalty: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine

He remains in custody pending the hearing


Previous Arrest of Akporugo and Fiancée

In May 2024, Akporugo and his fiancée, Jasmin Sood, were arrested just days before their wedding in Houston, Texas. The couple allegedly ran a seven-year scam, primarily targeting widowed victims through dating sites and social media.


Authorities continue to encourage victims of romance scams to report such crimes, emphasizing that public awareness can prevent future victimization.

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