New York Man Arrested After Deputies Recover $50,000 Stolen From Elderly East Texas Couple

CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas — A New York man was arrested after Chambers County Sheriff’s Office detectives recovered approximately $50,000 that investigators say was taken from an elderly couple through a sophisticated fraud scheme.

According to the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, detectives conducted a traffic stop on June 10, 2026, near the 810-mile marker of Interstate 10 in Wallisville.

Information developed during the stop led investigators to obtain a search warrant for the vehicle.

During the search, detectives discovered approximately $50,000 in cash bundled with bank bands.

As the investigation continued, authorities determined the money belonged to an elderly couple from Jefferson County who had been targeted by scammers.

Investigators said the victims received calls from an individual posing as a federal government representative. The caller allegedly convinced the couple that their identities had been stolen and that their finances were in immediate danger.

Believing their money needed to be protected, the couple surrendered the cash to individuals they thought were safeguarding their assets.

Detectives identified the driver of the vehicle as Qinfei He of New York.

He was arrested and charged with Money Laundering.

Authorities said the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

The recovered funds are expected to be returned to the victims.

Officials are reminding residents, particularly senior citizens, that legitimate government agencies will never request cash transfers or ask individuals to surrender money for safekeeping as part of an investigation.