Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that a Macomb County jury convicted Arthur Jean Jeans, Jr., 53 of New Haven, Mich., of False Pretenses - $100,000 or More after finding that he defrauded a 70-year-old Macomb County woman out of $109,000 through an elaborate scam.
Jeans’ two-day jury trial began on Tuesday, July 14, before Judge Macomb County Circuit Court Michael E. Servitto. The evidence showed that over a 14-day period, the defendant manipulated and coerced the victim into purchasing ten cashier's checks totaling $109,000 from several Comerica Bank branches in Sterling Heights.
On Wednesday, July 15, after deliberating 40 minutes, the jury returned its verdict of guilty as charged on the following count:
• False Pretenses - $100,000 or more, a 20-year felony.
Jeans will be sentenced by Judge Servitto on Thursday, September 10, at 8:30 a.m.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Daniel DeBruin prosecuted the case on behalf of The People.
"This defendant deliberately targeted and manipulated a senior citizen, stealing more than $100,000 through deception," Lucido said. "Financial predators often rely on fear, trust, and manipulation rather than force. My office will continue aggressively prosecuting those who exploit our seniors."
Before the trial, the victim shared with APA DeBruin that she had previously attended one of Prosecutor Lucido’s S.C.A.M.S. (Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors) presentations. However, she said she never imagined she could become the victim of an in-person scam.
"Even informed, intelligent people can become victims when a scammer is standing in front of them, building trust, creating urgency, and manipulating emotions,” stated Lucido.
“These criminals are professionals at deception, and that is exactly why education must continue. We want people to understand that anyone can become a target."
Recent national surveys demonstrate why that education is so critical. According to an Associated Press-NORC survey, nearly six in ten Americans receive suspected scam attempts every day, and approximately three in ten have personally lost money or personal information to a scam.
While many scams begin with a telephone call, text message, email, or social media contact, this case serves as a reminder that fraud can also occur through face-to-face interactions, where criminals use psychological manipulation to gain a victim's confidence and convince them to part with their life savings.
"Scammers don't all look alike," Lucido said. "Some hide behind a computer screen. Others show up in person. Regardless of how they operate, our message remains the same: slow down, verify, and never let anyone pressure you into making immediate financial decisions. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn’t. Talk to a trusted family member, your bank, or law enforcement before handing over your money."
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office continues to offer free S.C.A.M.S. presentations throughout the county. To find an upcoming S.C.A.M.S. presentation, visit www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams.
Organizations interested in scheduling a free presentation may contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at heather.esposito@macombgov.org or 586-469-5642.
Jeans’ two-day jury trial began on Tuesday, July 14, before Judge Macomb County Circuit Court Michael E. Servitto. The evidence showed that over a 14-day period, the defendant manipulated and coerced the victim into purchasing ten cashier's checks totaling $109,000 from several Comerica Bank branches in Sterling Heights.
On Wednesday, July 15, after deliberating 40 minutes, the jury returned its verdict of guilty as charged on the following count:
• False Pretenses - $100,000 or more, a 20-year felony.
Jeans will be sentenced by Judge Servitto on Thursday, September 10, at 8:30 a.m.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Daniel DeBruin prosecuted the case on behalf of The People.
"This defendant deliberately targeted and manipulated a senior citizen, stealing more than $100,000 through deception," Lucido said. "Financial predators often rely on fear, trust, and manipulation rather than force. My office will continue aggressively prosecuting those who exploit our seniors."
Before the trial, the victim shared with APA DeBruin that she had previously attended one of Prosecutor Lucido’s S.C.A.M.S. (Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors) presentations. However, she said she never imagined she could become the victim of an in-person scam.
"Even informed, intelligent people can become victims when a scammer is standing in front of them, building trust, creating urgency, and manipulating emotions,” stated Lucido.
“These criminals are professionals at deception, and that is exactly why education must continue. We want people to understand that anyone can become a target."
Recent national surveys demonstrate why that education is so critical. According to an Associated Press-NORC survey, nearly six in ten Americans receive suspected scam attempts every day, and approximately three in ten have personally lost money or personal information to a scam.
While many scams begin with a telephone call, text message, email, or social media contact, this case serves as a reminder that fraud can also occur through face-to-face interactions, where criminals use psychological manipulation to gain a victim's confidence and convince them to part with their life savings.
"Scammers don't all look alike," Lucido said. "Some hide behind a computer screen. Others show up in person. Regardless of how they operate, our message remains the same: slow down, verify, and never let anyone pressure you into making immediate financial decisions. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn’t. Talk to a trusted family member, your bank, or law enforcement before handing over your money."
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office continues to offer free S.C.A.M.S. presentations throughout the county. To find an upcoming S.C.A.M.S. presentation, visit www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams.
Organizations interested in scheduling a free presentation may contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at heather.esposito@macombgov.org or 586-469-5642.
