SHERIFF NEWS RELEASE – #2600736

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INCIDENT NUMBER: 2600736

NATURE OF INCIDENT: Property Title Fraud

LOCATION: 22000 Block of M-43 Highway in Almena Township

SUSPECT: George Demarkus Parnell 40-year-old male of Richland Michigan

Criminal Charges:

A. Real Property- Fraudulent Conveyances – Felony
B. Real Property- Encumber Without Lawful Cause- Felony

NARRATIVE:

Sheriff Daniel Abbott reports that the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office conducted a fraud investigation regarding a house and property for sale in the 22000 block of M43 Highway in Almena Township. Through the investigation it was learned that the suspect George Parnell of Richland requested a showing of the property that was listed online through a realtor. Parnell made an offer on the property and home that was initially agreed upon, however Parnell did not honor the terms of the buy/sell agreement. The purchase of the property was immediately terminated. Parnell then proceeded to file multiple liens against the property through the Van Buren County Register of Deeds Office. Therefore clouding the property title. The report was submitted to the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office who then authorized the Felony charges of Real Property-Fraudulent Conveyances and Real Property- Encumber Without Lawful Cause. Parnell was arrested and is lodged in the Van Buren County Jail being held on Bond.