News Releases

Florida Man Charged in Multi-Agency Fraud Investigation Involving Elderly Victim

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 25, 2025

Gaithersburg, MD — Detectives with the Montgomery County Department of Police – Financial Crimes Section have arrested and charged a Florida man in connection with a fraudulent refund scheme targeting an elderly woman.

31-year-old Charles Horlesen, of Kissimmee, FL, was arrested on Wednesday, July 23, in Queen Anne’s County, MD. He is accused of defrauding a Montgomery County resident out of $20,000 in connection with a tech support scam.

On Monday, July 21, Horlesen allegedly met with the victim, an elderly female, who believed she had a problem with her Norton antivirus software. After being told she had received an excessive refund, the victim was instructed to withdraw $20,000 from her bank account and give it to Horlesen to resolve the issue.

Detectives identified Horlesen as the suspect through investigative efforts and, with assistance from law enforcement partners, took him into custody two days later.

He has been charged with theft of $1,500 to under $25,000, conspiracy to commit theft of the same amount, and obtaining property from a vulnerable adult. He was released on bond on Thursday, July 24.

Montgomery County Police detectives worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Baltimore Field Office, Fairfax County Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department during the investigation.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area who were targeted by Horlesen. Anyone who had contact with him is asked to call MCPD’s Financial Crimes Section at 240-773-6330.

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Release ID: 25-356
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: arrest , credit-credit-theft-andor-fraud , theft