A Groton man is behind bars after allegedly luring people to meet a made-up prostitute, then posing as police officer, threatening to arrest the victims and stealing their money, police said.
Police said the male victim had arranged a sexual encounter with a woman he met on a website used to promote prostitution.
When he went to meet her, he was instead confronted by 20-year-old Caleb Harris of Groton, who claimed to be a police officer and threatened to arrest the victim. Harris then reportedly stole an unknown amount of money from the victim and fled, according to police.
Soon after, investigators located another victim who was on his way to meet the same prostitute, who police said was fictitious.
According to police, Harris may be a repeat offender and authorities are working to identify other victims.
Harris was arrested and charged with numerous offenses, including third-degree robbery, second-degree larceny, criminal impersonation of a police officer, interfering with an officer, criminal attempt at robbery and larceny and criminal attempt at impersonating a police officer.
Harris is being held on a $100,000 bond. His court date is pending.
