Serial Fraudster Jerry W. Buracker Arrested After Targeting WVU Campus

A multi-state crime spree has come to an end in West Virginia. Authorities have captured Jerry W. Buracker, a 65-year-old man accused of orchestrating a series of fraudulent schemes across several states, including a recent attempt to scam employees and businesses in Morgantown.

The “Building Inspector” Ruse

On Tuesday, April 7, Buracker allegedly targeted the downtown campus of West Virginia University (WVU). To gain access to university buildings, he employed a deceptive disguise, wearing a high-visibility construction vest and carrying a clipboard to pose as a building inspector.

According to WVU Police, Buracker used this fake persona to deceive staff. He reportedly requested that employees sign off on “fake operate,” allowing him to collect their signatures. Once inside, he allegedly stole personal checks and attempted to cash them at local banks using the signatures he had fraudulently obtained.

The scam didn’t stop at the university. Buracker allegedly attempted to execute the same scheme at local businesses in the Morgantown area, including a business in Westover, which prompted an investigation by the Westover Police Department.

A Multi-State Crime Spree

Investigators quickly discovered that the incident at WVU was part of a much larger pattern of criminal activity. Buracker was identified as a serial scammer with a significant legal trail behind him. At the time of his search, he was wanted on at least 11 outstanding warrants for alleged theft and fraud in multiple states.

Law enforcement confirmed that Buracker had been active in Virginia, Maryland, and various parts of West Virginia. During his time in Morgantown, he was operating a rental vehicle—a 2025 black Hyundai Elantra with Alabama license plate AOCP5EN.

Arrest and Apprehension

Following a national search and local coordination, the WVU Police Department confirmed that Buracker was arrested in Kanawha County on Saturday, April 11. His arrest brings a close to the immediate threat he posed to the Morgantown community and other regions where he was wanted.

How to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams

In the wake of this investigation, WVU Police Chief Sherry St. Clair urged the public to remain vigilant. To prevent similar frauds, the department recommends the following precautions:

• Verify Identification: Always ask for official identification from anyone claiming to be a contractor, inspector, or service worker.
• Confirm Authorization: Legitimate employees or third-party contractors working on campus or in business facilities will willingly provide credentials.
• Secure Valuables: Be mindful of personal checks, financial documents, and valuables in shared or open workspaces.

Key Takeaways

• Suspect: Jerry W. Buracker, 65.
• Method: Posed as a building inspector using a high-visibility vest and clipboard to steal checks and forge signatures.
• Scope: Targeted WVU downtown campus and Westover businesses. wanted on 11+ warrants across VA, MD, and WV.
• Outcome: Arrested in Kanawha County on April 11, 2026.

With Buracker now in custody, authorities continue to process the warrants and charges stemming from his activities across the Eastern United States.