Arkansas man charged in $100K scam of Franklin County woman
David Nelson was taken into custody and is being held in an Arkansas jail while awaiting extradition to Ohio. He is being charged with felony theft.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 68-year-old Arkansas man is facing charges after being accused of scamming a Franklin County senior citizen of nearly $100,000.
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a 76-year-old woman contacted authorities in March 2025 and said she believed she was the victim of a scam.
The victim said that in January 2025, she was contacted by someone who identified themselves as John Green, claiming to be a representative of Publishers Clearing House.
The victim said she was told she won $3 million, but would have to pay taxes on the winnings before claiming the prize. She was instructed to write a check for $89,120 and send it to a person identified as David Nelson in Little Rock, Arkansas. Green reportedly told the victim to not have contact with law enforcement and to receive a new cellphone with a new number to make communication easier.
On Feb. 4, she sent the check, but did not receive any of the alleged winnings.
Two days later, Nelson deposited the check written by the victim into his personal bank account.
Nelson was taken into custody and is being held in an Arkansas jail while awaiting extradition to Ohio. He is being charged with felony theft.
The sheriff’s office says it’s important to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, don’t share personal information, don’t agree to immediate payments, watch out for high-pressure tactics and be cautious of “free” offers.
Anyone who feels they have been a victim of a scam is asked to call their local law enforcement agency to report it.