MARSHFIELD, Wis. (WSAU) -- A Marshfield man is under arrest for scamming fifteen Green Bay Packers fans out of $46,034 dollars. 37-year-old Patrick Blachut was arrested by Marshfield Police Wednesday.
Lieutenant Darren Larson says Blachut personally approached people in personal and business settings claiming to be an agent selling tickets for players and others associated with the team....NWS 7680 :15 sec. “...Lambeau Field.”“In each instance, there was certainly common denominators, one of which was the suspect. Mr. Blachut had been identified in each of those encounters as approaching them and offering these tickets essentially at face value at very desirable locations of Lambeau Field.”
Larson says Blachut earned their trust and made the sales, but never had the tickets. That’s when Marshfield police got involved...NWS 7681 :13 sec. “...were exhausted.”“Many people followed up on that, and chose to purchase these tickets sight-unseen, and in time, did not receive the tickets as promised, and we started receiving calls when that occurred, when those efforts to collect their tickets were exhausted.”
The Lieutenant says they know of fifteen victims in several communities, including Auburndale, Chippewa Falls, Fond du Lac, Marshfield, Plover, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids. Larson says the victims may have had their minds on the deal and trusted Blachut, so they didn’t verify there were actually tickets to buy...NWS 7682 :11 sec. “...to be in.”“This is no different than many of the scams we’ve seen, as they offer something offer something very desirable, and often add a little component that requires you to act spontaneously, and that’s always a dangerous environment to be in.”
Larson suggests people see what they’re buying before handing over any money, or for tickets, use reputable ticket agencies or brokers. He says sometimes, the deal really is too good to be true...NWS 7683 :21 sec. “...became victims.”“Offering these tickets in seating that’s generally associated with the family section, or people that are associated with players, in a very desirable portion of Lambeau Field, and that certainly peaked the interest of a great many people of a great many people, and because of the value associated with the tickets, they felt this was a very rare opportunity, I believe, and one they acted quickly on, and unfortunately, became the victims.”
The victims lost between a few hundred dollars up to over $6,000 dollars each. Most of the money is gone and cannot be recovered. Investigators believe the money was used for online gambling.
Larson says they have recommended theft by fraud charges to the Wood County District Attorney’s office. Blachut remained in custody Wednesday night. He may have a bond hearing Thursday.
(Listen to our interview with Lieutenant Darren Larson on our website, here.)