WILMINGTON -- A fugitive on the run from another state was caught in Wilmington today after a Google search by a suspicious business woman.
The suspect's history pegs him as a scam artist, a man who smooth-talks unsuspecting women out hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now the Wilmington Police Department wants to make sure he didn't scam anyone here.
Joseph Johnson has a long criminal history that spans across four states. Police say Johnson poses as an attorney for Phillip Morris, gains female clients' trust and then steals their credit cards and blank checks. And Thursday afternoon police got a tip he was hiding out here in Wilmington.
Sgt. Warren Kennedy said, "A concerned citizen became suspicious of him, Googled his name and the FBI and Postal Service wanted poster popped up."
The citizen notified Wilmington Police and they found out about Johnson's past.
Police say he has many alias names and e-mail address. He's been known to go by Edward, Kevin, Michael, Norman, Joey and Edmund Johnson.
"If anyone in the Wilmington area has had any dealings with him the last few days they are asked to contact the Wilmington Police Department," Sgt. Kennedy said.
Detectives finished interviewing Johnson around 4:30 Thursday afternoon. He was then taken to New Hanover County jail under no bond.
Right now the only charges he faces are fugitive from justice and probation violation in Florida.
If you know Johnson or have had any business dealings with him lately call the WPD at 343-3645.
ORIGINAL POST
OUR THANKS TO KATHRYN FOR THIS FIND!
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