PHILADELPHIA (May 21, 2026) — Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, the DAO’s Elder Justice Unit and Law Enforcement partners on Thursday announced charges against five defendants for their roles in an expansive and organized scheme that defrauded at least 150 seniors — a majority of the victims Black women — of more than $500,000 in Northwest and Southwest Philadelphia since June 2024. The oldest victim is 90-years-old.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is charging Defendants Detoine Darryl Davis (DOB: 10/10/1984), Winston A. Haynes (DOB: 11/20/1994), Michael Turner (DOB: 11/27/1981), Anthony Ringgold (DOB: 06/20/1982), and Mark Chappell (DOB: 08/2819/86) with the following:
- Conspiracy (F1)
- Corrupt Organizations (F1)
- Dealing with Proceeds of Unlawful Activity (F1)
- Identity Theft (F2)
- Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (F3)
- Theft by Deception (F3)
- Receiving Stolen Property (F3)
- Theft of Mail (F3)
- Forgery (F3)
- Access Device Fraud (F3)
- Criminal Use of Communication Facility (F3)
- Unlawful Use of Computer (F3)
- Securing Execution of Documents by Deception (M2)
- Impersonating Public Employee (M2)
These five defendants, in concert with others, were involved in an extensive fraud scheme by which they contacted older adults, impersonating a representative of a bank or a public utility, like the Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), or the Water Department. The defendants then claimed that there was a problem with the victim’s account before a member of the conspiracy would go to the victim’s home and obtain their bank account information, debit cards, and pin under the guise of fixing the problem. The defendants then stole from the victims’ accounts and made unauthorized withdrawals. Further investigation found the stolen funds were used for money orders, personal purchases, and deposits into their own accounts.
Law enforcement partners executed search warrants where police confiscated cash, an AR-15 firearm, cellphones and computers, debit cards, bank statements, and money order receipts. Investigators froze the accounts that received the stolen funds.
The DAO is currently proceeding on complaints from more than 35 victims with the total documented theft at around $500,000. This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Anthony Ringgold and Winston Haynes are both being held on $1.8 million bail, while Michael Turner and Mark Chappell are both being held on $5.4 million bail. Defendant Detoine Davis is in the hospital and has not yet been arraigned.
“While the public discourse is often around gun violence in Philadelphia, crimes against seniors are very troubling and disturbing. These defendants set out to steal the hard-earned resources of dozens of elder citizens, traumatizing the individuals and our communities,” said District Attorney Larry Krasner. “Our Elder Justice Unit is committed to holding accountable any defendants who prey upon our city’s most vulnerable citizens.”
“Any older Philadelphian who believes they might have been scammed through this scheme or any other crime is encouraged to contact the Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Hotline at 215-686-5710,” said Assistant District Attorney Alex Blumenthal, Supervisor of DAO’s Elder Justice Unit. “There is no reason to be ashamed. The only way to stop these individuals from harming others is to report these incidents to the proper authorities so that we can take action.”
“I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners with the Philadelphia Police Department’s Northwest and Southwest Detective Divisions, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the US Postal Inspectors on the investigation and arrests,” said Assistant District Attorney Gillian Dagress. “This investigation was complex and only happened due to the outstanding collaboration between all parties. We are continuing to investigate and expect to make additional arrests of co-conspirators.”
Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District) added: “Our seniors are the pillars of our communities and should not have to spend their golden years being targeted by despicable predators. I applaud the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the Philadelphia Police Department and other law enforcement partners for their continued work to ensure our seniors are safeguarded.”
CONTACT:
Marisa Palmer, [email protected]