Crime & Safety
Police Nab Couple Who Allegedly Used Kids in Scam
Tiverton police say they found a man and woman wanted for allegedly using three children in a scam. The two were arrested in Florida on Tuesday night.
Police in Florida have arrested a Tiverton couple wanted for allegedly using three kids in a "bowl-a-thon" fundraiser scam.
On Nov. 15, Tiverton police began investigating Aaron Gelinas, 31, and Kimberly Leverett, 28, both of Tiverton, for their involvement with a “bowl-a-thon scam” taking place in Tiverton.
According to police, Gelinas and Leverett had used their three children to solicit money from local residents.
The suspects told victims the money was for an after-school fundraiser.
When visiting the couple's home with a search warrant, police received a disturbing surprised. Officers found deplorable living conditions and contacted the local building official, who deemed the property was unsafe.
Officers issued an arrest warrant for the couple, who were both wanted on the following charges: neglect of a child, three counts; obtaining money under false pretenses; and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
On Tuesday, police learned Gelinas and Leverett were living in Spring Hill, FL.
Upon receiving this information, Tiverton detectives contacted the Hernando County Sheriffs department and requested their assistance.
Florida police arrested the couple on Tuesday night. With the assistance of the Department of Child and Family in Florida, the Hernando Country Sheriffs were also able to locate the three children.
Those three children, have been determined to be healthy and are now in the care of the Department of Child and Family Services.
Gelinas and Leverett are awaiting extradition to Rhode Island to face charges.
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