A 25-year-old former inmate, who pretended to be a lawyer, will be facing swindling, usurpation of authority, and illegal possession of drugs cases.
Police Lt. Lorenzo Ocon, Jr., deputy station 4 commander, identified the suspect as Jonathan Trangia, residing at Purok 4, Barangay Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City.
The suspect introduced himself to his victims as Atty. Cedric Roa.
He was arrested in an entrapment operation by elements of Police Station 4 led by Police Maj. Mario Mantala, Jr, together with representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Parole-10 while at Max Suniel street, Carmen of the said city at 11 am.
Confiscated from the suspect were three sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu with an estimated street value of P50,000, a P500 bill, 19 pieces of fake paper bills as boodle money, and some personal belongings.
Ocon said that prior to the suspect’s arrest a female victim reported to the said police headquarter and reported that a certain lawyer offered her help regarding his husband's case.
“Ang iya man gung bana aning babaye tua sa prisohan sa Lumbia. Miduol daw ning suspetsado nagpaila nga abogado or Attorney Cedric Roa ug andam daw siya motabang sa maong biktima aron mapadali ang probation sa iyang bana,” Ocon said.
The suspect, who also pretended as an employee of DOJ, then asked her for P50,000 as payment which the latter was able to hand over some cash with a promise that she will give the balance the following day.
Doubting by the personality of the suspect, the victim reported the matter to the police thus, an entrapment operation was conducted.
In an interview with the suspect by members of the press, he admitted to the crime but denied he owned the drugs.
Tranquia is now in under custody of the said police station while cases are being prepared for appropriate filing.
