Stamford Woman Allegedly Scammed by Pastor's Son

[Editor's note: Arrest information is supplied by the Stamford Police Department. It doesn't indicate convictions.]

Stamford police arrested a 49-year-old New York City man by warrant Monday on a larceny charge after he allegedly wrote a bad check to a Stamford woman who had sought religious guidance from his mother.

David Crouch, of 771 Hendrix St., Brooklyn, NY, was charged with second-degree larceny and issuing a bad check.

According to Sgt. Peter diSpagna of the Detective Bureau, the Stamford woman, who suffers cerebral palsy, had travelled to Brooklyn for a religious experience overseen by Crouch's mother, a pastor.

Crouch allegedly endeared himself to the Stamford woman, said he had run into financial problems—including child support—and issued her a $1,700 check in exchange for cash that he used to buy about $1,400 in prepaid debit cards. According to police, Crouch told his victim that she could keep the extra money for helping him out.

When the Stamford woman tried to cash the check, she discovered that it was connected to a closed account, diSpagna said.

Crouch's mother, the pastor, is not accused of any involvement in the incident, though she was not cooperative with investigators, police said.

Crouch was released on $2,500 bond and scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford.

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Police arrested a 24-year-old homeless man before dawn Tuesday after he allegedly tried to flee officers with 31 bags of crack cocaine ready for sale.

Erick Lee Frank was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics, as well as interfering with an officer and sale of illegal drugs.

According to police, Sgt. Adrian Novia saw Frank acting suspiciously and holding something in his left hand near Washington Boulevard and Henry Street—just south of Interstate 95—at about 1 a.m.

When Novia got out of his cruiser, Frank tried to run away and during a subsequent struggle, tossed a package of crack into the street, according to Stamford police Sgt. Robert Shawinsky. Police say they later discovered that Frank is on probation for narcotics and robbery charges.

He was held on $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear April 9 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

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A 23-year-old Norwalk man faces assault charges for allegedly hitting another man over the head with a beer bottle.

Steven Isaac Bolanos, of 37 Pettom Road, was arrested at 6:55 p.m. Monday and charged with two counts each of second- and third degree-assault, and a single count each of consipracy to commit second- and third-degree assault.

According to police, Bolanos was caught on video surveillance in a stairwell at the Bell Street parking garage after hours on Feb. 26. Allegedly, the victim bumped into Bolanos and the latter attacked, striking in one motion with a beer bottle that broke on the victim's head and cut his neck.

Bond was set at $100,000 and he was scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford.

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Jorge Effren Delgado, 45, of 94 Maple Tree Ave., was arrested at 12:17 a.m. Monday and charged with third-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

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Police arrested Corey Grant, 24, of 40 Stillwater Ave., at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday and charged him with interfering with an officer and engaging in police pursuit.

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Andrzej Kozikowski, reportedly homeless in Stamford, was arrested at 6:35 p.m. Monday and charged him with first-degree criminal trespass.