Russellville Police Department apprehends suspect accused of duping hunters into leasing non-existent private hunting land
In a significant development, the Russellville Police Department has arrested Dion Dawson, a man accused of orchestrating an elaborate scam targeting hunters in Arkansas and surrounding states. Dawson, 50, was taken into custody on charges of theft of property and obtaining signatures through deception. This arrest comes after an investigation launched by the police department and the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, following reports from victims who had fallen prey to Dawson’s fraudulent scheme. The case highlights the vulnerability of hunters and the need for vigilance when engaging in lease agreements.
The Deceptive Land Lease Scheme
Dawson’s arrest follows a series of incidents where hunters were deceived into leasing private hunting land that did not belong to Dawson. The victims, who had paid thousands of dollars to secure exclusive hunting rights, later discovered that multiple other individuals had leased the same land. The scam involved Dawson advertising private hunting land for lease and meeting with victims to sign lease agreements. The victims were led to believe that they had sole hunting rights for a specific period. However, it was later revealed that Dawson did not own the land in question.
Police Surveillance and Investigation
The Russellville Police Department had been monitoring Dawson since the initial reports of the scam surfaced. Officer Andrew Reeves confirmed that the department had been keeping a close eye on Dawson’s activities. The arrest was made possible by new victims who came forward with crucial information, enabling the police and the sheriff’s office to take action. The investigation revealed that Dawson had been running the same scam this year, further highlighting the need for swift intervention.
Victims Speak Out
Hunters who fell victim to Dawson’s scheme shared their experiences, recounting how they had paid substantial amounts of money based on the promise of exclusive hunting rights. These individuals were left devastated upon discovering that their leases were invalid and that Dawson did not own the land. The victims expressed their gratitude towards the police for their efforts in apprehending Dawson and bringing him to justice. They emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such scams to protect other hunters from falling into similar traps.
Arrest and Pending Charges
Dion Dawson was apprehended at the Econo Lodge in Russellville during the execution of a search warrant. He is currently being held in the Pope County Jail, awaiting a bond hearing scheduled for Friday morning. The charges against Dawson include theft of property and obtaining signatures through deception. The arrest affidavit also revealed an additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, as a glass smoking device with suspected methamphetamine residue was found in Dawson’s motel room.
Extent of the Scam
The investigation conducted by the Russellville Police Department revealed that Dawson and an accomplice, Cindy Moye, had entered into lease agreements with at least 16 other individuals for the same land. Lease agreements were made between October 29, 2022, and November 22, 2023, with a total amount of $10,075 paid to Dawson and Moye. The police have urged anyone who entered into a lease agreement with Dawson and Moye to contact the Russellville Police Department’s criminal investigations division.
Conclusion:
The arrest of Dion Dawson serves as a significant breakthrough in the case of the land lease scam that targeted hunters in Arkansas and surrounding states. Dawson’s arrest highlights the importance of vigilance when engaging in lease agreements and the need for thorough background checks. The victims’ experiences underscore the devastating impact of falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. The swift action taken by law enforcement authorities, coupled with the support of the victims, sends a strong message that scams targeting vulnerable individuals will not go unpunished. It is crucial for hunters and the wider community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further instances of deception.
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