Parolee and Three Others Arrested for Cell Phone Extortion Scheme

VICTORVILLE – Four were arrested for extortion after Victorville station deputies conducted an undercover sting operation in the 14000 block of US Hwy 395, authorities said.

The case was investigated by Victorville Station deputies on August 31st when the victim reported the lost cell phone being in the possession of of someone who was sending text messages saying that they had the phone.

The messages grew alarming and were reported to the police when money was requested to prevent photos and other information on the phone from being posted on social media.

Victorville resident, Terrera Hall, 23 and Adelanto resident Juanniesha Dandy, 22 were found to be in the possession of the phone and were arrested on Wednesday evening. Both were booked into the High Desert Detention Center for conspiracy and extortion and have since been released, Hall just after 1am Friday and Dandy at around 4 pm on Thursday. They have no court appearances scheduled.

Further investigation led authorities to Adelanto residents, Nydia Areola, 29 and Mario Hall, 31. No jail records are available for Areola, but Hall, a career criminal was just convicted for the possession of stolen property in February 2016.

Hall’s most recent case, before this was a result of police making contact with him on January 14, 2016, to arrest him for multiple warrants. When deputies were at his home, they found two larger smart television sets in boxes. Deputies learned  the following day that both were stolen.

Hall is currently being held in lieu of $35,000 and is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Wednesday evening.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

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