COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A man from Arkansas has been arrested for allegedly scamming a woman in Franklin County out of nearly $90,000, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office wants to warn the public.

David Nelson, 68, was arrested in April and charged with felony theft in Franklin County. In March of 2025, a senior citizen contacted the sheriff’s office, saying she believed she had fallen victim to a scam.

Nelson allegedly identified himself as a sweepstakes employee with the Publishers Clearing House and told the victim that she had won $3 million. According to the sheriff’s office, Nelson allegedly told the victim that in order to receive the prize money, she needed to pay taxes. The woman ended up sending multiple checks to Nelson’s home in Little Rock, totaling approximately $89,000.

“We were able to find this individual on surveillance video in the banks, taking these checks in that he had gotten from the victim in this case and was cashing them,” FCSO Detective Bill Duffer said. “Unfortunately, they fell for it. And, you know, it’s just something we hate to see.”

Duffer said that the office was working in partnership with the Little Rock Police Department to gather evidence. In April, detectives with the sheriff’s office made the trip to Arkansas to continue their investigation.

“People like the idea of free money and getting something for nothing and then these scammers know that and they prey on that,” Duffer said.

Nelson is currently being held in an Arkansas jail while awaiting extradition to Ohio. According to Duffer, the case remains under investigation.

Duffer also said the case highlights the importance of being cautious. He’s reminding people to be skeptical of unsolicited calls, don’t share personal information, don’t agree to immediate payments, and to be cautious with “free” offers.

He said that if you feel as though you’ve been a victim of a scam, call your local law enforcement agency.