One man has been convicted and another has fled the country after Orange County authorities say a sting operation caught the pair in a scheme that convinced elderly targets they were in possession of child pornography.
New York resident Oles Kovalchuk pleaded guilty Sept. 25 in Orange County Circuit Court. While he was originally charged with obtaining money under false pretenses, a felony, he accepted a deal that allowed him to plead guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge. He was sentenced to a year behind bars, fully suspended, and ordered to repay his victim $21,000.
Kovalchuk’s accomplice Vladyslav Novoseltsev remains on the run, however, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Novoseltsev fled the country five days after Kovalchuk’s arrest. The sheriff’s office has not said to which country Novoseltsev fled or where he resided before his flight.
Investigators were notified March 7 that a 77-year-old woman had given $21,000 to a man, later identified as Kovalchuk, who claimed she had child pornography on her phone that he could remove.
After withdrawing the amount requested, the woman gave the money, in person, to Kovalchuk, according to the sheriff’s office.
“On March 11, 2025, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, a sting operation was conducted," the sheriff’s office said in a statement announcing Kovalchuk’s conviction. "During the operation, Oles Kovalchuk arrived at the victim’s residence and was immediately arrested."
While Novoseltsev fled five days later, there is a warrant for his arrest should he return to the States.
Anyone with information on Kovalchuk, Novoseltsev or any suspected fraudsters is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 672-1200.
“It is important to note that in cases like this, it is very uncommon for victims to recoup the money they have lost. This case stands out as a rare example of restitution being made,” the sheriff’s office said. “The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our citizens from fraud and holding scammers accountable. We encourage everyone to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, links, or phone calls. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately.”
Source: www.dailyprogress.com