Житель Северной Каролины обвиняется в масштабной мошеннической схеме с вырубкой лесов и обманом пожилых людей

North Carolina Man Faces Timber Fraud Charges Massive Scheme on Elderly Joel Blake Lee, 55, was arrested by the N.C. Forest Service in July. He faces charges of timber theft, exploitation of the elderly, forgery of deeds or wills, and obtaining… Joel Blake Lee, 55, was arrested by the N.C. Forest Service in July. He faces charges of timber theft, exploitation of the elderly, forgery of deeds or wills, and obtaining property by false pretenses, according to the Columbus County News. The Clayton man walked free on a secured bond. Lee worked for Frontier Timber, per the publication's report. He tricked landowners across Columbus, Pender, Chatham, Wayne, and Onslow counties into selling timber at prices well below market value. In other instances, he forged paperwork to harvest their land without permission. Five counties saw victims fall prey to this alleged operation. The suspect mailed letters to property owners. He asked for the right to harvest their land. He promised to reseed and help maintain woodlands. Once he gained trust, the land would be clearcut. Then it sat there—no clearing, no cleaning, no reseeding. Some clients never saw a dime. Others got paid far less than their timber was worth. Lee targeted landowners with written correspondence that looked like legitimate forestry services. Congressman David Rouzer's office will meet with victims Sept. 8 in Whiteville. The meeting happens at the Cooperative Extension Office, 45 Government Complex Rd., Whiteville, from 9-11 a.m. Representatives from the congressman's office will speak with those affected. Victims are invited. "Any constituent with any concern to send to the congressman is welcome," the Columbus County News states. For more information, victims can contact Rouzer's office in Bolivia. The meeting aims to provide support and information to those impacted.