Salina Post
Saline County deputies arrested two suspects after scamming a couple to lose over $120,000.
According to the Saline County Sheriff's Office, on July 29, 2025 an elderly couple was called by a scammer claiming to be an 'agent from the US Treasurer's Office.' The scammer advised the couple that their 'personal information was used to get $3.7 million in cash from various banks.'
Furthermore, the 'agent' told the couple they were 'laundering money' and that they needed to give the 'US Government $80,000 to cover the court cases, which would be refunded after court dismissal.' Afterwards, one from the couple went to their bank and withdrew $80,000 and sent the amount in two separate shipments to two addresses in Downey, CA.
Moreover, on August 31st, 2025 the same 'agent' called the couple again and advised them to send an additional $40,000 in cash, but this time to a certain individual in person. The scammer told the couple this person would come by their house and pick up the cash. According to the Sheriff's Office, the couple met a male suspect at a street by their house to give him a total of $46,461 in cash.
After these events, the couple's bank was suspicious and called a family member of the couple about the concern. The family member then contacted the Sheriff's Office.
The very next day, the scammer called the couple once more and requested an additional payment of $40,000 in cash. The scammer said the same suspect would meet them to pick up the cash.
The Sheriff's Office was already involved in the investigation when the call was made, and learned the suspect would be at the 2300 block of S. 9th to pick up the cash. When the couple went to meet the suspect, authorities arrived to the scene with them and found two male suspects.
Arrested was 27-year old, Naga Teegala (Aurora, Illinois) and 27-year old, Pruthwik Gallipally (Wheeling, Illinois). Both were booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges:
Criminal Threat, Mistreatment of a Dependent Adult, Theft by Deception, Aggravated Intimidation of a Witness and False Impersonation.
Total loss was listed to be at $126,461.
The Sheriff's Office is reminding the community that a US Government agency will never request for cash by mail, wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or other non-traceable methods and is a scam. If you are in doubt about a call like this, please contact Saline County Sheriff's Office or the Saline Police Department.
Saline County Sheriff's Office: (785) 826-6500
Salina Police Department: (785) 826-7210