Possible scam investigated

By GARRETT NEESE, DMG Writer
HOUGHTON — A suspected scam targeting auto parts and auto repair stores may have snared at least five businesses and possibly more last summer.

The Houghton Police Department is looking for possible victims of the scam. Last summer, a man billing himself as Donald Jahnke of KC Marketing Specialists asked Copper Country Ford if they would distribute an advertising book along with sales of vehicles, said Houghton Lt. Jim Destrampe. In return, Jahnke told them, they would receive free advertising. Copper Country Ford agreed.

Wielding those bona fides, Destrampe said, Jahnke then approached five other businesses between July and August. The businesses — Advance Tec Body Repair, Auto Pro Glass, Superior Auto Parts, Superior Lube and Sayen’s Auto Sales — paid up to $395 for advertisements.

Destrampe said all the businesses had the same impression: “He came across very professional: suit, tie, briefcase. We had no reason to believe he wasn’t going to provide what he said he was going to.”

But when the businesses called to ask when the book would be ready, Jahnke said he was still working on it. After the first few calls, all they got was a disconnected line.

“I don’t know if he just wasn’t able to fund his project, or what,” Destrampe said. “He never produced what he said he was going to produce, and collected the money.”

Similar cases involving Jahnke were reported in Baraga County, Dickinson County, Iron County and several counties in northern Wisconsin.

“I just hope to work with all the other departments in conjunction, and we’ll be able to resolve this,” Destrampe said.

Any more businesses who may have been approached by Jahnke are asked to contact the Houghton Police Department at 482-2121.



Garrett Neese can be reached at gneese@mininggazette.com