WINDSOR – An Edenton woman is sought by the Windsor Police and the Bertie Sheriff’s Office for her alleged role in a scam that left ticket holders to a benefit lunch with no food and no refund.

Windsor Police Chief Todd Lane said warrants are drawn for the arrest of a suspect in the scam, Tiffany Inez Silvester of 204 Manteo Trail, Edenton. She is wanted for several counts of obtaining property by false pretense.

Lane is also asking others who purchased tickets for the non-event and have yet to come forward to report it to authorities.

Lane reported that several citizens said they had purchased advanced tickets to a pork barbecue meal that was advertised as a benefit to a cancer patient.

“That event was scheduled to occur at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13,” Lane said. “The homemade printed tickets stated that the plates could be picked up at the Bertie Recreation Center. Citizens arrived at the center to find there was no such event or benefit being held there.”

Following those reports, the case was assigned to Windsor Police Detective Eddie Hoggard. He was able to utilize a law enforcement information exchange computer program to identify the suspect.

“From the information we gained, we learned that the suspect was investigated for a similar crime in a neighboring county that occurred in June of this year,” Lane said.

Lane added that Hoggard was also able to obtain surveillance video of the suspect attempting to sell tickets at a local business.

With the number of scam victims coming forth thus far, Hoggard has obtained four warrants for Silvester’s arrest while Bertie Sheriff’s Detective Naomi Wiggins has obtained one warrant.

“Anyone knowing the whereabouts of this suspect is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency,” Lane said.

Victims of this scam residing in the town of Windsor can contact Hoggard at 252-794-3121 (ext. 311). Scam victims living in Bertie County can call Wiggins at 252-794-5330.

“This is a great example of local law enforcement agencies working together and sharing information in an effort to benefit their citizens,” Lane noted.