Numerous counts alleged in indictment

The married couple accused of duping senior citizens and Asians out of more than $150,000 in a pigeon drop scam were indicted this week on multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbing an elderly person and obtaining money under false pretenses.

A Clark County grand jury indicted William Mitchell, 53, and Rotzilyn Mitchell, 51, who were arrested Feb. 10 on dozens of charges. Authorities accuse the couple of scamming at least 40 victims out of between $200 and $15,000 each.

Las Vegas police said the couple worked the scam at least 58 times. Investigators had been trying to identify and find the couple for years.

Authorities said Rotzilyn Mitchell would tell prospective victims she worked for a law firm. She would approach people who were alone and tell them she had found between $50,000 and $150,000. William Mitchell then would approach his wife, act as if he didn't know her and tell the target he was a real estate agent, police said.

The Mitchells convinced their targets that the three could split the money after they paid a hefty amount in lawyers' fees to legally secure it, police said.

One person entrusted the typically well-dressed couple with $15,000, police said.

Police said William Mitchell often would drive the victims to the bank or their home to obtain the cash.

The couple is scheduled to be arraigned on April 30.

Contact reporter David Kihara at dkihara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.