Louisville Pastor Among Two Men Arrested for Credit Card Theft Targeting Elderly Shoppers
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — A Louisville pastor has been arrested alongside another man in a credit card theft scheme that targeted elderly victims at grocery stores, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD).
Authorities say Pastor Virgil Mozee, leader of the New Christian Church of Jesus Christ on LaSalle Avenue, and Nathaniel Porter III were taken into custody after surveillance footage showed them using stolen credit cards at local Walgreens stores.
The pair allegedly stole wallets from women in their 70s and 80s while the victims were shopping at Kroger and Meijer locations across Louisville.
Police Say Elderly Victims Were Targeted in Shopping Aisles
LMPD investigators said the suspects worked together to distract victims before removing wallets from shopping carts. Detectives believe the men specifically targeted older women shopping alone, using the stolen cards shortly afterward to make fraudulent purchases totaling over $5,000.
Authorities said Mozee and Porter were identified after being caught on security cameras, and the vehicles used in the crimes were registered in their own names, making it easier for detectives to track them down.
Police seized the vehicles as part of the ongoing investigation.
“It can be so traumatic for an individual when their wallet or purse goes missing—or worse, has been stolen,” said Scott Wegenast, communications manager with AARP Kentucky. “Because, what are you going to do?”
Community Reaction and Arrest Details
The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed Mozee was arrested on his way to church services Sunday morning. When contacted by WAVE News, a person at the church confirmed Mozee serves as pastor but said they were unaware of the arrest.
LMPD said both Mozee and Porter are facing multiple charges, including:
- Theft by unlawful taking
- Fraudulent use of credit cards
- Engaging in organized crime
- Trafficking in financial information
Detectives believe the two may have been involved in similar thefts in the past, and are urging other potential victims to come forward. Anyone who believes they were targeted is asked to contact Louisville Metro Police 3rd Division at 502-574-2135.
AARP Offers Safety Tips for Seniors
The case has prompted safety reminders from AARP Kentucky, which advises shoppers—especially seniors—to stay alert and take precautionary steps when out in public.
Wegenast urged residents to:
- Report lost or stolen cards to police and your credit card company immediately.
- Freeze accounts to prevent additional charges.
- Avoid carrying passports, social security cards, or checkbooks in your wallet.
“They can be a treasure for scammers and fraudsters,” Wegenast said, adding that simple awareness can prevent major financial losses.
This incident highlights the growing threat of financial crimes targeting elderly individuals and the need for vigilance in public spaces. Stay informed on local safety updates and community alerts at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.