Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
A federal jury convicted Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 27-year-old Indian citizen living in San Antonio, Texas on a student visa, of conspiracy to commit wire fraud after he was found guilty of participating in a scheme that targeted a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran in Delaware County, according to an April 15 announcement.
The case highlights the risks older Americans face from sophisticated fraud schemes. According to trial evidence, the victim believed he was contacting Microsoft support and was subsequently manipulated by individuals posing as federal officers into converting his savings into gold and handing it over. The scam continued until the victim’s family intervened and alerted authorities.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Chagamreddy traveled across several states picking up gold from elderly victims under false pretenses. He communicated with co-conspirators via messaging apps, providing updates on his location and activities. In one instance, Chagamreddy sent a photo of a dollar bill marked with notes about the transaction after delivering gold to another individual involved in the scheme. When Chagamreddy arrived for another pickup at the Oklahoma victim’s home as scheduled by law enforcement, he was arrested by Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies who found $500 cash, a cell phone, and 23 ounces of gold in his vehicle.
Testimony also revealed that within just two days Chagamreddy had worked with others to defraud multiple elderly victims across different states. The Department of Justice reported that more than 280 enforcement actions were taken against over 600 defendants related to elder fraud schemes nationwide in 2025; these defendants attempted or succeeded in stealing more than $2.3 billion from over one million Americans. Fraudulent tech support scams alone accounted for $982 million in losses.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma covers eleven counties including Tulsa County and employs more than sixty-five Assistant United States Attorneys who work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies according to its official website. The office enforces federal laws through impartial litigation and strategic partnerships designed to enhance community safety as outlined online.
Chagamreddy remains in custody pending sentencing at a later date. Authorities encourage anyone seeking help or wishing to report elder abuse or financial exploitation to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline or consult local resources for assistance.
