Mt. Morris Liquor Store Owner Charged with Defrauding Michigan Bottle Deposit Program

A Michigan liquor store owner faces serious charges after being accused of defrauding the state's bottle deposit program. Namir Shango, 34, who managed Valley Liquor in Mt. Morris, was arraigned on charges of committing false pretenses for an amount between $50,000 and $100,000. The accusations stem from alleged fake bottle return invoices that Shango is said to have crafted to resemble the output of his store's processing machine, according to filings in the Saginaw district court.

The scam, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit, involved presenting these fraudulent invoices to a soft-drink distributor to improperly receive credits on incoming deliveries. The Michigan State Police were the ones to investigate and bring to light this scheme purportedly to enrich personally.

Sentiments from the state attorney general, Dana Nessel, emphasized the program's genuine purpose: “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. 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,” Nessel said in a statement obtained by the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Shango's actions have put him at legal loggerheads, with the state seeking to uphold the integrity of environmental initiatives.

The Michigan Attorney General's Office has similarly underscored the broader impact of such fraud, with MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II pointing out the negative consequences: "Fraudulent bottle deposit activity like this hurts businesses, the state of Michigan, and ultimately, reduces funds meant to protect our environment." 

Shango is due back in court for a probable cause conference on Aug. 29, where more details of the case will likely unfold.