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| Daniel Edwards AKA Mark Swanson |
Shortly before midnight last night, Wednesday, January 31, officers from St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s department arrested the man they believe is responsible for conning numerous residents out of money over several months. He was caught in the California area of the county. “He was uncooperative and wouldn’t admit his identity,” Lt. Alioto told The Bay Net. The man initially claimed to be Mark William Swanson. However, officers were able to identify the man from his photograph and he later admitted to his true identity, Daniel Lewis Edwards, 39 years old, of Leonardtown. “He was using that alias because he had two open warrants in Calvert County,” Alioto said.
Edwards’ photograph was released earlier Wednesday afternoon in conjunction with a request for citizens who may be able to identify him as being responsible for a continuous theft scheme.
Sheriff’s Office Deputies were patrolling numerous areas attempting to locate the suspect yesterday evening. Off Duty Senior Deputy First Class Harold Young, who had been briefed on the lookout, observed the suspect in the San Souci area. He detained the Edwards and summoned additional units.
Although the con artist insisted he was another person and demanded to be released, he was identified, positively as Daniel Lewis Edwards from a photograph. Even when faced with the photograph, the brazen con stated that deputies were mistaken.
Edwards was arrested and served with the two outstanding warrants from Calvert County and additional charges of False Statement to a Police Officer and Theft Scheme under $500.00 were completed. At this time several people have confirmed that Edwards scammed them out of money and Sheriff’s Office Officials believe the total dollar amount will exceed $500.00, once additional victims come forward.
“We are close to being able to place felony charges for theft,” Alioto told The Bay Net. “We need to find victims, as we’d like to show the State’s Attorney and Court System the extent of his scheme,” said Alioto.
If you have been a victim of a scam conducted by this man, please contact Lt. Daniel D. Alioto at 301-475-4200 Ext 1918. The police have worked hard to respond to the complaints from residents and now they need your help to make sure he’s charged with everything he’s responsible for.
“Special thanks to the Baynet.com and other media outlets that posted the related information for the public to view. We would also like to thank the citizens that have already contacted us,” stated St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in their press release.