Cocoa Beach Police Help Arrest Suspect for Grand Theft, Scheming to Defraud
By Space Coast Daily // January 12, 2024
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Cocoa Beach Police, along with multiple agencies including Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office and various other state and federal governmental agencies arrested Jose Osvaldo Polanco Batista, 26 of Orlando, Florida, for the charges of Grand Theft, Conspiracy, and Scheming to Defraud.
The arrest was in reference to a “Grandparent” scam that occurred on the January 10, 2024.
Law enforcement responded to a residence in Cocoa Beach where contact was made with the victim. She reported sending money, via a ride-share company, for her grandchild who was allegedly involved in a crash and was arrested.
After the money was sent, she called her grandson and discovered she was swindled and immediately contacted law enforcement.
The suspect again called the victim, demanding additional money while law enforcement was on-scene.
Working with the above listed agencies, law enforcement was able to conduct a controlled delivery to Jose Osvaldo Polanco Batista.
During an execution of a search warrant at the residence, he was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
The Cocoa Beach Police Department is committed to actively pursuing criminal leads that affect both the residents, visitors, and the vulnerable community of Cocoa Beach.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Cocoa Beach Police Department at 321-868-3251.
