Wordplay With Invoices Leads to Charges For Racine Man
A former Miller Electronics Recycling employee allegedly tried to dupe customers into sending payments to his own company, called "Miller Electronics Recyclers."
A 38-year-old Racine man is facing charges after he allegedly tried to bilk money from customers and stole hard drives.
Jason Matrise was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Thursday with attempted theft and theft by fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 13 ½ months in prison and $15,000 in fines.
According to the criminal complaint:
On May 16, Oak Creek police officers were called to Miller Electronics Recycling after the company's owner discovered Matrise tried to steal money from customers while employed at the business. Matrise sent out invoices to customers that looked identical to those for the company, but requested payment to "Miller Electronics Recyclers," of which Matrise is the listed owner.
Customers alerted the owner to the issue and none of them sent money to the other company.
Officers also discovered Matrise was sent to Manpower's corporate headquarters on May 10 to pick up hard drives that were meant to be destroyed by Miller. However, Miller never received the hard drives.
Matrise is free on $500 signature bond while awaiting trial.
