Arrest Made in Multi-State Fraud Investigation Targeting Elderly Victims
Princeton, WV — The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in connection with an ongoing multi-state fraud investigation involving the targeting of elderly victims.
On December 10, 2025, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office received information from the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan regarding a scam operation under investigation in several states. Detectives in Michigan had recently apprehended individuals suspected of directing victims to withdraw and package large sums of cash before personally collecting the money.
During that investigation, Michigan authorities obtained information indicating that an elderly Mercer County resident was being targeted through a similar scheme. That information, along with supporting evidence and photographs, was shared with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies located the potential victim, a 78-year-old woman from Princeton, and made efforts to warn her about the suspected fraud. Later that day, additional information was received indicating that a suspect was traveling to Mercer County to retrieve a package containing cash.
Deputies and investigators conducted surveillance in the area and subsequently detained Li Wei, 30, of California, after observing him retrieve a package from the victim’s residence. Wei was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop.
During the arrest, deputies recovered a box containing the cash and other items of evidentiary value. Wei was transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, processed, and arraigned by Magistrate Compton on charges related to the ongoing investigation. Wei was committed to the Southern Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond.
This case remains under active investigation in coordination with the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office and other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. Additional charges or arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
Sheriff A.P. Christian and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office remind citizens to be cautious of phone calls or online communications requesting money, especially those instructing victims to withdraw or mail cash. Legitimate government agencies or businesses will never demand cash payments or secrecy in financial transactions.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information regarding similar scams or potential victims is encouraged to contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 304-487-8364 or the West Virginia State Police.
To make a report of fraud to the Federal Government or for information to help protect yourself or a loved one from fraud, visit the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center website at www.ic3.gov and the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov
