RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — (Eds. note: The video attached is from the original story that aired on October 11, 2023.)
The Russellville Police Department arrested 50-year-old Dion Dawson on Wednesday after allegedly tricking dozens of Arkansans into paying to lease private hunting land in Pope County.
The hunters thought they had signed a contract to get sole hunting rights, but quickly found out other people did the same thing, costing them thousands of dollars.
Dawson is currently being held at the Pope County Detention Center and is charged with theft of property, obtaining signatures by deception and failure to appear.
According to Russellville police, Dawson was a suspect when authorities initially looked into the claims in October. However, new victims came forward with additional information, which led law enforcement to pursue criminal charges.
Dawson will have a bond hearing on Friday morning.