A Los Angeles man has been arrested in connection with a lottery scam carried out against a Danville resident, police said Friday.

The victim told Danville police he was contacted and told he had won money in the Jamaican lottery, police Chief Steve Simpkins said.

However, he became suspicious and contacted police after he paid a significant amount of money in what he was told were "taxes and fees" that needed to be paid up front.

An investigation led detectives to Los Angeles resident Harold Donald, 42.

In a search of his home, conducted with Los Angeles police, evidence was found linking Donald to the Danville crime and others as well, Simpkins said.

Donald was arrested and booked into Los Angeles County Jail on suspicion of theft under false pretenses, Simpkins said. More charges may be
filed following further investigation.

"I'm extremely proud of our detectives in this arrest," Simkins said. "They found the leads, followed them and took down the bad guy."

Simpkins urged Danville residents to be on the alert for scams similar to this one. If approached, they should contact the police
immediately.

— Bay City News Service

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