CHATHAM, N.Y. — The New York State Police announced the arrest of Lance Norman, 36, of Queens, following a joint investigation into a Publishers Clearing House scam that defrauded an elderly Chatham resident out of $62,000.
On May 12, 2025, investigators from the Livingston Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), in coordination with the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office and the City of Hudson Police Department, charged Norman with:
Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (Class C felony)
Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (Class E felony)
According to police, the victim received a phone call from someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House, falsely stating the victim had won $10 million and a Mercedes-Benz. The victim was told he needed to pay taxes in advance to claim the prize.
On two occasions, the victim met with Norman in Hudson, handing over cash totaling approximately $62,000.
After the scam was reported, a vehicle description linked to Norman was shared with law enforcement agencies across the region. Norman was later stopped by New York State Troopers in Westchester County, where a large sum of cash was found in his car. During questioning, he admitted to receiving the money from the victim.
Norman was issued an appearance ticket for the City of Hudson Court on May 15, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Authorities are using this case to remind the public — especially seniors — to be alert to fraud schemes and report any suspicious calls or financial requests.
