HOUGHTON, MI – Shiym Edwards, 28, and Destiny Johnson, 25, both from Akron, Ohio, were arrested in Houghton on November 7 after using stolen credit cards to purchase lottery tickets and high-end alcohol at a local business. The arrests followed a report from the Houghton City Police about two suspicious individuals involved in the fraudulent transactions.
Michigan State Police from the Iron Mountain Post stopped the suspects’ vehicle in Iron River, leading to their arrest. Edwards faces charges of illegal sale or use of a financial transaction device and habitual offender, 4th offense. Johnson faces similar charges, along with habitual offender, 2nd offense. Both suspects are wanted in other jurisdictions, with Edwards facing charges in Midland, Michigan, and Johnson in Wright County, Minnesota.
Investigators believe this case is part of a larger, multi-state operation based in Akron, Ohio, involving stolen credit cards being used to purchase lottery tickets. The Houghton Police Department had previously received reports of similar fraudulent activities dating back to March 2024, with incidents also reported in Baraga County and other areas like Ishpeming, Marquette, and Munising.
Law enforcement is urging businesses, especially those selling lottery tickets, to ask for identification when customers make large purchases with credit cards. The public is also encouraged to report any similar suspicious activity to their local authorities, particularly if they can provide a license plate number.
The investigation into this multi-state fraud operation is ongoing.
