August 29, 2025 – On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding the exploitation of an elderly individual who had been scammed out of a large sum of money. The victim was convinced by the suspects that his accounts had been hacked and that he needed to provide funds to a “courier” for something called “FTD insurance”.
An investigation led by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Richard Brantley identified the suspects as two Chinese nationals residing in Plano, Texas. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Investigator Brantley, assisted by Chief Investigator Russell, Investigator Shea Shaw, Investigator Chris Baumann, and the Plano Police Department, executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence in Plano.
During the search, investigators located numerous items tying the suspects to the exploitation of the victim. They also discovered a quantity of suspected ketamine, more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams.
The two suspects were arrested and charged with exploitation of the elderly and disabled. Plano PD handled the charges for their local drug possession charges.
They have been identified as:
Chang, Chih Hao (Asian male)
Shi, Fujie (Asian male)
“This case is a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics criminals use to prey on vulnerable members of our community,” said Sheriff Lewis Tatum. “We urge everyone to be extremely cautious. If you are ever contacted by someone asking for money for any reason you are not 100% sure of, please contact your local law enforcement agency or your financial institution immediately. Don’t fall victim to these scams.”
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting its residents from financial crimes and holding those who exploit the elderly accountable.
