Oklahoma Guardsman Suspected Of Committing Fraud

A member of the Army National Guard is suspected of committing fraudulent acts in Logan County, Okla., and law enforcement officials are concerned there may be additional victims.

According to the Logan County Sheriff's Department, Pfc. Nicholas Heskett, 20, was going door-to-door in his military uniform, asking for donations for wounded soldiers as well as money for Soldier care packages.

Heskett is a member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, but has been AWOL (Absent Without Leave) for several months.

"The Logan County Sheriff's Office advised us today about possible criminal activity involving Pfc. Heskett," said Lt. Col. Max Moss, an Oklahoma National Guard spokesman. "It's our goal to make sure the public knows we don't send soldiers or airmen door-to-door asking for donations. If someone shows up at your door in a military uniform asking for money, you should advise law enforcement as soon as possible."

The Logan County District Attorney's Office filed two counts of "Obtaining Money or Property by False Pretenses" on Jan. 15. He has not been taken into custody on the charges. 

Heskett is a member of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and, according to civilian law enforcement authorities, wore his camouflage uniform complete with military patches to entice multiple individuals to give him cash. 

The crimes took place in Crescent, Okla., and southern Logan County and may also have occurred in Edmond and Oklahoma City.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office and the Oklahoma National Guard want to warn residents about this scam, which may be ongoing. Please contact the Logan County Sheriff's Office if you believe you've been a victim or have additional information concerning this case.

The Logan County Sheriff's Office also released the following statement:

The Logan County Sheriff's Office wants to warn the public about an active fraud activity, and is looking for the public's help in identifying additional victims of the suspect.

The suspect, Nicholas Heskett, DOB 12-11-1992, is using a National Guard uniform with insignia from the 45^th Infantry and Thunderbird patches. Heskett, is wearing the uniform and going door to door in neighborhoods identifying himself as a member of the National Guard 45^th Infantry.

Heskett is asking for donations for wounded soldiers, for funds towards care packages, and has even stated that he got in trouble with the National Guard and part of his punishment was going door to door to ask for donations. The known events of this fraud have taken place from Crescent, to southern Logan County and may include Edmond and Oklahoma City.

Heskett is actually a member of the National Guard and is attached with the 45^th Infantry. The Logan County Sheriff's Office is coordinating with Command Staff at the 45^th Infantry Division to continue this investigation.

Heskett has several active cases in Logan County, and arrest warrants are forthcoming. The Logan County Sheriff's Office wants to warn residents of this on-going scam, and we need to identify any potential victims in this investigation.

Please contact the Logan County Sheriff's Office for any further information or to report any additional incidents of fraud concerning Heskett.