Today the Boston Police Department in partnership with the Lynn Police Department arrested a female suspect believed to be responsible for extortion. Suspect, Mary R. Lozada, 34, of Lynn was arrested on an outstanding warrant and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Larceny Over $250 and Extortion By False Report of a Crime.

Incident Descriptions:

* District E13 (Jamaica Plain)- On June 8, 2010, a female victim received a phone call from a male speaking Spanish who claimed that he had kidnapped the victims relative. The suspect demanded that the victim wire money via Western Union in exchange for the safe release of the alleged kidnapped victim. The victim wired money to the suspect, only to later discover that her relative was not kidnapped.

* District B2 (Roxbury, Mission Hill)- On June 9, 2010, a male victim received a phone call from a male suspect who claimed he was a friend of a relative and that the victim’s relative was being held against his will and would not be released until the people holding him received money. The suspect instructed the victim to wire money by Western Union. The victim did wire money to the suspect, and later found out that his relative was not being held against his will.

The Boston Police Department, along with Lynn Police and other neighboring police departments continue to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding similarly reported incidents. In all of the incidents, victims are contacted via phone and told that a relative has been kidnapped; money is then demanded for the safe release of the alleged kidnapping victim. The specific details of these incidents vary; however, almost all of the victims have been Hispanic.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is urged to call the Boston Police CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS. Community members who wish to anonymously assist in this investigation do have to reveal their name. You may also text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is only interested in your information, not your identity.

Today the Boston Police Department in partnership with the Lynn Police Department arrested a female suspect believed to be responsible for extortion. Suspect, Mary R. Lozada, 34, of Lynn was arrested on an outstanding warrant and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Larceny Over $250 and Extortion By False Report of a Crime.

Incident Descriptions:

* District E13 (Jamaica Plain)- On June 8, 2010, a female victim received a phone call from a male speaking Spanish who claimed that he had kidnapped the victims relative. The suspect demanded that the victim wire money via Western Union in exchange for the safe release of the alleged kidnapped victim. The victim wired money to the suspect, only to later discover that her relative was not kidnapped.

* District B2 (Roxbury, Mission Hill)- On June 9, 2010, a male victim received a phone call from a male suspect who claimed he was a friend of a relative and that the victim’s relative was being held against his will and would not be released until the people holding him received money. The suspect instructed the victim to wire money by Western Union. The victim did wire money to the suspect, and later found out that his relative was not being held against his will.

The Boston Police Department, along with Lynn Police and other neighboring police departments continue to actively investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding similarly reported incidents. In all of the incidents, victims are contacted via phone and told that a relative has been kidnapped; money is then demanded for the safe release of the alleged kidnapping victim. The specific details of these incidents vary; however, almost all of the victims have been Hispanic.

Anyone with information regarding this matter is urged to call the Boston Police CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-800-494-TIPS. Community members who wish to anonymously assist in this investigation do have to reveal their name. You may also text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is only interested in your information, not your identity.