DAVISON, Mich. — A Davison man is facing fraud charges stemming from an alleged bottle deposit scam he was running through Valley Liquor.
Namir Shango, 34, is accused of creating fake bottle deposit return invoices to receive fraudulent credits from soft-drink distributors.
Shango is charged with one count of False Pretenses, $50,000 to $100,000, a 15-year felony.
The charges allege that Shango was making fake bottle deposit return invoices to look like the ones generated by his store's bottle return processing machine. Shango then allegedly presented these to his distributors to get credits on his beverage orders.
The Michigan State Police conducted the investigation and the charges were announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
“Michigan’s bottle deposit program is meant to incentivize recycling efforts, and the State needs business owners to operate with integrity to achieve those goals,” said Nessel. “Defrauding businesses partners, and taking advantage of a popular state program for self-enrichment, will not be tolerated and my department will hold fraudsters accountable.”
“Fraudulent bottle deposit activity like this hurts businesses, the state of Michigan, and ultimately, reduces funds meant to protect our environment,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “We are committed to identifying and putting a stop to these crimes.”
Shango is due back in court for a probable cause conference on Aug. 29.
