Police: Lake City woman says ‘celebrity’ gave her instructions on fraudulent bitcoin transaction

After being told by a celebrity to do so, a Lake City woman was taken into police custody.

A press release from the Michigan State Police states that troopers from Houghton Lake Post received a call in June 2021 regarding a fraudulent check that had been deposited at an ATM.

The check was fraudulently deposited at Missaukee County’s financial institution on April 26. The majority of the $9,817 deposit was withdrawn in four separate Bitcoin transactions on April 28. Three were for $2,500 each, and one was for $2,000.

The financial institution reached out to Terrie Ann LoreeChappel, 49, asking for restitution. According to the press release, Loree-Chappel claimed she would repay the money but never did.

Loree-Chappel explained to troopers that she got the check online from a celebrity who gave her instructions about what to do.

Loree-Chappel was arrested on Aug. 10 after an investigation. She was taken into custody at her Lake City home and placed in Missaukee County Jail.

Loree-Chappel was arraigned Wednesday at the 84th District Court Missaukee County on one count of not-sufficient funds check $500+. She was released on a personal recognizance bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 26.