A Tennessee man was arrested in Columbia after allegedly stealing a six-figure sum’s worth of gold from a local woman through a scam.  

On Monday, Monroe County State’s Attorney Ryan Webb charged Raj Patel, 26, of Knoxville, Tenn., with felony theft ($100,000-$500,000) and one count of felony attempted theft (more than $100,000).

Court information states that Patel took control of gold bars belonging to a Columbia resident, with the theft perpetrated as “part of a criminal enterprise.” 

The attempted theft charge alleges Patel “took affirmative steps to complete the crime,” including traveling to the victim’s residence and taking control of the gold.

Police initiated a fraud investigation related to this case in January, Columbia Police Chief Jason Donjon said. The victim was scammed out of a large sum of gold on or about Jan. 15.

“After the victim reported the incident to the Columbia Police Department, it was confirmed by CPD officers and detectives that she was a victim of a scam,” Donjon said in a press release.  

The CPD and members of the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois – including a Columbia police officer assigned to MEGSI – provided undercover surveillance and communication with the suspect. 

On Friday, police said Patel was arrested in Columbia “as he attempted to commit fraud with another large sum of gold.”  

He was transferred to the Monroe County Jail. On Tuesday, Patel was released with a notice to appear in Monroe County Circuit Court on March 18. 

Donjon commended all those who assisted with this investigation, including CPD dispatchers, officers and detectives, the MEGSI Task Force and Webb. 

The police chief also reminded all residents to contact police before  sending or wiring any currency, checks, or gold to anyone if there is any suspicion.  

“There are many different forms of scams and fraud that the CPD can help with,” Donjon said.

To reach the Columbia Police Department, call 618-281-5151.