(WFRV)—The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) said that one of its Special Agents participated in an interstate investigation that resulted in a person’s arrest for property fraud, with the rightful owner of the money getting their inheritance in the end.
Special Agent Michael Austin with the DOR Office of Criminal Investigation was alerted by bank employees in Tennessee after a customer suspiciously deposited nearly $900,000 in unclaimed property checks.
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Bankers placed a hold on the funds and contacted the DOR, leading to Special Agent Austin coordinating efforts with the bank that would have the customer claim the money in person and be arrested by local officials.
This plan failed last second, and Special Agent Austin had to change gears; however, he told the suspect the money could be picked up at the Georgia DOR.
The suspect was subsequently met by law enforcement, who were unsure if it was the person due to prior contact made only through a ‘burner’ phone. To ensure it was him, Special Agent Austin dialed the phone number he had previously spoken with, and the phone rang.
The suspect was then arrested and identified as a former law school student serving parole time for multiple large financial crimes. United States Attorneys in Georgia prosecuted the suspect, who will serve 15 months in prison.
Not only was an arrest made, but the true owner of the unclaimed property, a Wisconsin taxpayer, was found. The person who was the rightful owner was found through contact with five local law enforcement groups, the United States Postal Service and the Social Security Administration.
The person who was given their rightful money expressed disbelief that he was found, especially considering he didn’t know he had unclaimed money owed to him.
The Wisconsin DOR expressed pride in Special Agent Austin, saying only somebody with his skills could’ve possibly done what he had.
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“In this case, he was able to use his negotiation skills, quick thinking, intelligence, communication skills and charisma to locate the suspect and get the funds to the rightful owner,” Office of Criminal Investigation Director Justin Shemanski said.
No additional details were provided.
