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Man posing as UCF student-athlete arrested for rent money scam, police say

Man posing as UCF student-athlete arrested for rent money scam, police say

Unmasking the Campus Imposter: How a Fraudster Exploited Student Trust at UCF

In a shocking turn of events, a 22-year-old man has been arrested for impersonating a UCF student-athlete and swindling unsuspecting victims out of rent money. The UCF Police Department's investigation has uncovered a web of deceit that has been unraveling on the university's campus for months.

Exposing a Brazen Scheme: The Fraudster's Tactics Revealed

The Impersonator's Modus Operandi

According to the authorities, the suspect, identified as Xavier Dorcely, would approach individuals on the UCF campus and claim to be a student-athlete in need of financial assistance. Dorcely, who also went by the aliases Deandre or Dre, would promise to repay the victims the following day, but he never followed through on his commitments.

A Trail of Deception Unraveled

Over the past several months, the UCF Police Department has been utilizing surveillance cameras and license plate readers to track down the elusive impersonator. Their diligent efforts have finally led to Dorcely's arrest on two counts of scheming to defraud.

The Victims' Plight

The investigation has revealed that Dorcely has been swindling people on the UCF campus since October 2023, preying on their trust and goodwill. Each time, he would approach unsuspecting individuals, spin a tale of financial hardship, and convince them to lend him money for rent or other bills. Sadly, the victims never saw their money again, as Dorcely failed to uphold his promises of repayment.

The Suspect's Current Status

Dorcely is currently in custody at the Seminole County Jail, where he is being held without bond. The UCF Police Department has urged anyone who may have fallen victim to Dorcely's schemes to come forward and contact Detective Melissa Guadagnino at the department's non-emergency line.

A Cautionary Tale for the Campus Community

The UCF Police Department has issued a stern warning to the university community, advising them to be vigilant and never share personal information or provide money to individuals they do not know and trust. The department emphasizes that if a situation seems too good to be true, it likely is, and urges students and staff to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The Importance of Vigilance and Reporting

The UCF Police Department's swift action in this case serves as a testament to the importance of maintaining a vigilant campus community. By working closely with the victims and utilizing advanced investigative techniques, the department was able to apprehend the impersonator and prevent further exploitation of the university's students and staff. The department's message is clear: the safety and well-being of the UCF community are of the utmost priority, and they will continue to work tirelessly to protect its members from such fraudulent activities.

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