Sheriff Mike Dougherty is alerting residents to a recent telephone scam that targeted a local citizen on November 18, 2025. The incident involved a call from a male impersonating a U.S. Marshal to a county resident. During the call, the scammer claimed the resident had missed a court appearance and owed a $7,000 fine to the U.S. Court.
The resident remained tactful throughout the call and decided to drive directly to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office while keeping the scammer on the line. Once at the office, she spoke with Sheriff Dougherty, who then took over the conversation with the caller.
Sheriff Dougherty posed several law enforcement-related questions concerning court processes that the scammer was unable to answer, ultimately causing him to terminate the call.
“I commend the resident for her quick thinking and bravery in handling this situation,” Sheriff Dougherty stated. “It’s crucial for our county residents to be aware of such scams and to understand that legitimate law enforcement officials will never demand payment over the phone or request that you wire money for fines.”
Sheriff Dougherty emphasizes the importance of vigilance and encourages residents to be cautious about unsolicited calls requesting personal information or payment. If you suspect that you are a victim of a scam or receive a similar call, please report it to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office or your local police agency immediately.
