Sheriff's office investigates phony fundraiser

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident of fraud in which the suspect called a resident asking for money for the sheriff's office.

Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Jim Halsey said Monday the fraudulent caller, who sounded like a young man, identified himself as being associated with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

"The caller stated he was collecting funds for the family of a Douglas County deputy who was recently killed in the line of duty at a domestic dispute," Halsey said.

No such incident has occurred, Halsey said, and the sheriff's office is not soliciting funds.

"The astute recipient of the fraudulent phone call told the male caller she doubted the validity of the call, and advised him she would contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office herself to find out if the solicitation was valid. The caller subsequently disconnected the call," Halsey said.

Halsey asked that anyone who receives a similar call or correspondence asking for donations contact the sheriff's office to report the incident.

"If you have 'caller ID' capability, please utilize that function to identify the number the solicitor is calling from. If you receive written correspondence, please maintain the document for review or collection by a law enforcement officer," he said.

Any residents who receive requests for funds for any public or private entity should contact that entity first to determine if the solicitation is valid, said Sheriff Ron Pierini.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff's dispatch at 782-9911. Callers with specific information should ask to be transferred to Deputy Nadine Chrzanowski.