Local News

Large Fraud and Racketeering Ring Affects Central Oregon

A large northwest fraud and possible racketeering ring extends to Central Oregon. Police arrested a prominent Washington County realtor and contractor on suspicion of many counts of fraud, aggravated theft and money laundering.  Washington County Sheriff's Office Sergeant David Thompson says two of several search warrants in the case were also served in Central Oregon; one in Sisters and one in Bend. Michael Francis, 61, Dimeo of MJT Custom Homes is accused in this case. “Basically Mr. Dimeo is fraudulently obtaining loans of cash and bank loans so we have bank victims and personal victims who he borrowed money from in the 100's of thousands of dollars that he was supposed to invest in his mortgage company and into his property. But he was using that money for personal use. "  Police also believe this could be part of a larger crime ring and arrested another man; Robert Baylor on drug charges. Agents sized 45 marijuana plants, five pit bulls and even a four foot alligator they found inside his home. 

 

 

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