Two arrested in extortion scam in Ishpeming | News, sports, jobs

ISHPEMING – Ishpeming police have arrested two people for allegedly extorting an Ishpeming resident out of a large sum of money.

On Thursday, Ishpeming police received a complaint from a city resident who reported that the person was contacted by a person impersonating a federal agent. The subject told the victim that he would be arrested if he did not give him money. The suspect said the person was being investigated for Social Security fraud.

The suspect successfully extorted money from the victim on Wednesday and contacted her again on Thursday to demand another large amount of money.

After the incident was reported, Ishpeming police conducted an undercover operation to arrest the suspect but were unsuccessful. On Friday, police attempted another sting operation, this time arresting a man and a woman.

The suspects were arrested on one count of false pretenses: $20,000 or more but less than $50,000. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and/or $15,000 or three times the value of the money or property involved, whichever is greater.

Ishpeming police were assisted by the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, Michigan State Police and UP Health Systems-Bell EMS.

Ishpeming police say their officers will never come to your home and ask you for money and that any extortion attempts or fraudulent activity should be reported to local law enforcement.