Michigan Man Jailed on $16,000 Hotel Scam Charges - East Idaho News
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Michigan Man Jailed on $16,000 Hotel Scam Charges

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152127879?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1417274919751iStock/Thinkstock(DETROIT) — A Michigan man is behind bars in western Pennsylvania, accused of conning a resort by pretending to be a doctor and golf pro, then running off without paying a $16,000 bill.

Authorities say Jeffrey Paul Cochran of Scottsville, Michigan stayed at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Fayette County, Pennsylvania for two weeks in May. The resort’s rooms cost more than $500 a night.

Cochran, 41, initially called the resort posing as another doctor from a local hospital, Dr. Dan Renyolds, telling them to set up a house account for an out-of-town doctor, according to court documents. But after employees called the number associated with the account – Cochran’s – he was seen leaving the resort’s back door without paying a dime, according to a police affidavit.

Police arrested Cochran in Michigan Nov. 12 after he drove away from his mother’s funeral.

Authorities in Nebraska say he is also wanted there in connection to a similar event, allegedly staying at the Candlewood Suites in Lincoln from December to mid-February and racking up a $3,000 bill.

Pennsylvania authorities charged Cochran with theft by deception and theft of services, both third-degree felonies. He was jailed after being unable to post bail.


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