MOHAVE COUNTY – The Mohave County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) is warning the public of fraudulent activity that has already deprived several victims of their money in criminal fashion.
Deputy County Attorney James Schoppmann said the scam involves fake phone calls from a person claiming to be Don Bischoff, a retired Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Captain. He said the con artist tries to get people to pay for a new program that allows a county inmate to be released from custody with an ankle monitor and curfew, with rehabilitation, housing and employment provisions.
“The criminal(s) committing the scam then request payment of hundreds of dollars as a fully refundable deposit and a monthly ankle monitoring fee,” Schoppmann said in a news release. “In some cases the victims of these scams have lost $800 to $1,700.”
The news release advises that such fees are only paid through the court system and are not solicited by telephone. Anyone believing they’ve received a call involving the bogus program is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
The scam should be differentiated from the legitimate Diversion Program that the MCAO operates for first-time or low-level criminal offenders.
“If the call sounds too good to be true, or promises an inmate’s release outside of a judge issuing a court order, you should proceed with extreme caution,” Schoppmann said. “Don Bischoff is a Diversion Specialist with the MCAO and will never call and solicit payment over the phone.”
Anyone wanting to report a Diversion Program scam call, or seeking information about the fraudulent activity can contact the MCSO at 928-753-0753 or the MCAO at 928-753-0719.
“The MCAO takes these types of crimes very serious and hopes that victims will come forward and assist law enforcement in capturing these criminals,” Schoppmann said. “Those perpetuating such crimes in Mohave County should anticipate being prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
