“Pigeon drop” scam suspect arrested in Fayetteville

A man suspected of masterminding and organizing numerous “pigeon drop” theft scams has been arrested by Fayetteville police.

Thomas Richardson, 63, of Lithonia was taken into custody after police said he returned from hiding out of state. Such scams involve teams of con artists who persuade a victim to trade money for something of supposedly greater value, but then leave with the money.

As a result of detectives’ surveillance, Fayetteville officers had previously arrested two of Richardson’s alleged accomplices, who were subsequently convicted of theft by deception. Richardson is now at the Fayette County jail facing four counts of theft by deception, and may be charged with additional offenses.