AG Nessel: MI liquor store owner stole over $50K with bottle slip scam

MT. MORRIS, Mich. (WJMN) — A lower Michigan was in court last week after his arrest in connection to alleged bottle deposit fraud, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

In a release, Nessel said 34-year-old Namir Shango of Davison is accused of scamming distributors out of $50,000 to $100,000. Shango was charged with False Pretenses, a 15-year Felony according to the AG’s Office.

Nessel said Shango, through Valley Liquor in Mt. Morris, operated the scam by creating fake bottle deposit invoices that were made to look like they came from his in-store bottle return machine, and handing them off to his distributors for credit toward incoming deliveries.

“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.”

The investigation was conducted by Michigan State Police.

“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 was arraigned last Wednesday, and is set to be back in court for a probable cause conference later this week.

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