SAGINAW – Davison resident Namir Shango, 34, was arraigned in Saginaw’s 67th District Court last Wednesday on a charge of False Pretenses, $50,000 to $100,000, a 15-year felony. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charge, which stems from alleged bottle return fraud at Valley Liquor in Mt. Morris.
Shango is accused of creating counterfeit bottle deposit return invoices, designed to appear as if they were from his in-store bottle return machine. He then allegedly presented these to his soft-drink distributor to obtain fraudulent credits against future deliveries. The Michigan State Police conducted the investigation into this case.
Attorney General Nessel emphasized the importance of integrity within Michigan’s bottle deposit program, stating, “Michigan’s bottle deposit program is designed to encourage recycling, and the State relies on business owners to operate honestly to achieve those goals. Defrauding business partners and exploiting a popular state program for personal gain will not be tolerated, and my department will hold those responsible accountable.”
Colonel James F. Grady II, director of the MSP, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Fraudulent bottle deposit activity harms businesses, the state of Michigan, and ultimately reduces funding intended to protect our environment. We are dedicated to identifying and stopping these crimes.”
