An Islip man was arrested June 1 after Suffolk County police said he stole $7,000 from two Pennsylvania residents and moved the money through a cryptocurrency account.
Police said the two victims fell for a phone scam before $2,500 and $4,500 were separately removed from their bank accounts on Nov. 12, 2025. The money was transferred into a Coinbase account belonging to Chancellor McKee, police said.
Investigators said the money was later moved into other accounts belonging to McKee. Police said McKee withdrew the funds on Nov. 23 from an ATM on Main Street in East Islip.
McKee, 22, of Islip, was arrested following an investigation by Suffolk County Police Financial Crimes Unit detectives. He was charged with third-degree grand larceny.
Police said McKee was being held overnight at the Third Precinct and was scheduled to be arraigned June 2 in First District Court in Central Islip.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, through the P3 Tips app or at P3Tips.com. Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
