Michigan man charged with felony in bottle deposit fraud case for giving fake invoices to distributor

(WWJ) — A Flint-area man has been charged with a felony for allegedly committing bottle return fraud.

Namir Shango of Davison was arraigned last week on one count of false pretenses, $50,000 to $100,000, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Monday.

If convicted, the 34-year-old old could face up to 15 years in prison.

Shango allegedly created fake bottle deposit return invoices from his liquor store, Valley Liquor, in Mt. Morris. The AG’s office says they were “made to look as though they were generated by his in-store bottle return processing machine.”

He then gave the fraudulent invoices to his soft drink distributor to receive fraudulent credits towards incoming deliveries, the AG’s office said.

“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,” Nessel said, per a press release. “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 Michigan State Police investigated the case.

Shango’s next court date is scheduled for Aug. 29.

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