Sheriff`s Corner

Hello and welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. It has been a very busy week again. There is much going on.

We had several burglaries this past week where a semi-tractor trailer was used. We have the suspect's names and a good description of the truck. We expect to locate these people soon.

Here's a bit of news for any of you who received e-mails or information from Nigeria. We learned this past week that Nigeria's agency against economic and financial crime is reporting the arrest of more than 500 suspects. They have also reportedly recovered properties worth over $ 500 million dollars. They report that some of those arrested were legislators, lawyers, politicians, bankers and public "functionaries".

Most of the e-mail notices were from "the widow of an African dictator" or a "bank official", promising untold wealth in return for helping to transfer millions of dollars out of Africa. Many originated in Nigeria. The amazing thing is that so many people sent money. Most never reported their loss due to embarrassment.

The one area that concerned us even more than the loss of money was the actual potential for someone to be in actual contact with the thieves. In learning of the arrests, I also learned that in some cases, victims were lured into a trap, kidnapped and held hostage for ransom.

We are very happy about the arrests and the fact that Nigeria is still investigating. As always, if something seems to good to be true, it usually is. Thanks to all of you who sent us examples of the e-mails you received. Be safe and take care.