WINDSOR – An alleged ploy to bilk innocent victims of money landed a Virginia couple in jail here Tuesday….for more than just deception.

According to Windsor Police Sgt. Ricky Morris, 21-year-old Matthew Embrey and Loretta Embrey, 35, both of 112 East Main Street, Front Royal, Va., were arrested and charged for possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.

Mr. Embrey was jailed under a $25,000 secured bond while his wife was given a $15,000 secured bond. Both made their first appearance in court yesterday (Wednesday).

Morris said the case against the two began in innocent fashion.

“I was called on Tuesday by the (Windsor-Bertie) Chamber of Commerce office in reference to knowing if there was services around which could help a couple get back to Virginia due to their money being stolen out of their car,” Morris said. “I advised the Chamber what I knew to the affect of helping and was further advised that the break-in to the vehicle occurred in Martin County.”

Morris said that after finishing the phone call with the Chamber, he contacted the Williamston Police Department concerning the alleged break-in to the couple’s vehicle. He was advised that no such report had been filed.

“I then went to the Chamber and found the vehicle which the couple was driving,” Morris said. “After running the plates I found the vehicle to be stolen. I spoke to the couple and was given several different stories.”

Sgt. Morris said he later spoke to a police officer in Front Royal, Va. who advised the vehicle was stolen and at least one of the subjects in Windsor was a suspect in that case.

Armed with that information, Sgt. Morris – assisted by Windsor PD Chief Rodney Hoggard and Officer Frank Ratzlaff – placed both under arrest and transported the couple to the Magistrate’s office.

“While at the Magistrate’s office I advised both of their rights and found that they were not victims of a break-in and, in fact, were attempting to cheat the Chamber or anyone they could get money from at the time,” he noted.

Morris said that the Front Royal Police Department has drawn warrants for grand theft auto against the couple. The Embreys will answer to those charges once the legal process against the couple has been completed in Windsor.

Front Royal is located in Warren County, Va., west of Washington, DC.