LADYSMITH, Wis. (WJMC) — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office says a person unlawfully in the United States was arrested for fraud crimes.
Rusk County Sheriff Phil Grassman said the suspect, 24-year-old Miteshkumar Chaudhari, of India, had allegedly targeted an elderly resident for financial fraud crimes, using threats via phone, email and text. The Wisconsin Department of Justice and sheriff’s office investigated and during a sting operation arrested Chaudhari.
The sheriff said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were contacted about the detainer process.
Grassman stressed fraud crimes will not be tolerated, especially when they target vulnerable populations, such as seniors, and these crimes will be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
The sheriff urged families to discuss fraud and scams signs. They include threatening phone calls from people claiming to be law enforcement or government authorities; emails demanding payment or risk of jail; requests for money via wire, direct withdrawal, gift cards or cryptocurrency; promises of prize winnings; inheritance claims; or urgent help requests from impersonated family members.
If anyone is targeted a scam, they should contact their local law enforcement agency.