U.S. Marshals say they are looking for a Pennsylvania Gypsy with a history of committing crimes against elderly homeowners nationwide.
For years, Tony Demetro, also known as Sonny Reed, has been making a living traveling state to state posing as a water department employee and stealing money and valuables from unsuspecting homeowners.
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In 1986, Demetro and his brother made news when they were arrested near Bridgeville, Pa., on charges of criminal trespass, impersonating public servants and with being unlicensed Gypsies.
Under a little-used 1909 statute, authorities in Pennsylvania could impound Gypsies’ property or run them out of town. The law required Gypsies to obtain licenses to move about the state freely.
Then-Gov. Dick Thornburgh had to step in three years after their arrest to repeal the law and return the men’s truck and $4,000 in cash.
But Demetro continued driving around the country and running his scam, authorities said.
“Demetro is a real piece of work,” said Matthew Burke, supervisory inspector with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force.
He has more than 15 arrests on charges including burglary, threats, driving under the influence, lewd behavior, theft, home improvement without a license, false impersonation and flight to avoid prosecution. He has been busted in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Illinois and Massachusetts.
He was charged with larceny in Montgomery County and more recently with aggravated robbery of a senior citizen in Houston.
Because of Demetro’s transient lifestyle and use of aliases, Burke said, it has been difficult for law enforcement to focus on and apprehend him.
The task force wants the public’s help in developing information that would lead to taking him back into custody.
He is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, with hazel eyes and balding gray hair.
Law enforcement authorities are offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information can call the
U.S. Marshals Service at 301-489-1717.
The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, run by the U.S. Marshals Service, comprises 28 federal, state and local agencies from Baltimore to Norfolk. The unit has captured more than 19,000 wanted fugitives since its creation in 2004.
