Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 60-year-old Eric Williams, of St. Clair Shores, MI, was arraigned on a felony charge stemming from him allegedly obtaining money under false pretenses.
It is alleged that on May 23, 2025, Williams approached the residence of a 76-year-old woman in Macomb Township and provided a quote to paint the interior of her home. He requested a 50 percent deposit, which the woman paid.
Over the following months, Williams allegedly returned to the residence on multiple occasions and solicited additional funds, representing that the payments would be credited toward the remaining balance for the painting work. Williams indicated that he would begin the project in August 2025.
Authorities allege that no painting services were ever performed. In total, Williams is alleged to have obtained approximately $4,600 from the woman.
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Williams was arraigned before Magistrate Christopher Alayan in the 41A District Court in Shelby Township, MI. Williams is charged with the following offenses:
- False Pretenses - $1,000 or More but Less Than $20,000 – Third or Subsequent Offense Notice, a 10-year felony
- Habitual Offender – Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor which could result in a penalty of life in prison if convicted of the underlying felony
These are the maximum charges available under the law based on the evidence presented to date.
Magistrate Alayan granted Williams a $25,000 personal bond.
Williams is scheduled to appear for a Probable Cause Conference before Magistrate Alayan at the 41A-Shelby District Court on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido remains committed to protecting the county’s senior community from fraud and financial exploitation through initiatives such as SCAMS (Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors). Through this program, Prosecutor Lucido works to educate and empower seniors, their families, and guardians with critical information about common scams, warning signs of exploitation, and steps they can take to safeguard themselves and their finances. The program is designed to help prevent seniors from becoming targets of individuals who prey upon them through deception, manipulation, and financial abuse.
“Older adults are too often singled out by scammers who take advantage of their kindness and attempt to financially exploit them,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “Our SCAMS initiative focuses on strengthening awareness among seniors, their loved ones, and caregivers so they can recognize common fraud tactics before harm is done. Education is a critical defense, and by spreading it widely we can better protect seniors while ensuring offenders are pursued and held responsible.”
Please join the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office at an upcoming SCAMS presentation:
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 10 am, Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke Ave, Utica, MI 48317
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 11:30 am, Harrison Twp. Tucker Senior Center, 26980 Ballard Street, Harrison Twp., MI 48045
Thursday, June 11, 10:30 am, Sterling Heights Library, 40255 Dodge Park Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 2 pm, Mount Clemens Public Library, 150 Cass Ave, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
Wednesday, June 17, 10:30 am, Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2 pm, St. Clair Shores Senior Center, 20100 Stephens Rd., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 2 pm, Eastpointe Memorial Library, 15875 Oak Ave., Eastpointe, MI 48021
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 2 pm, Armada Free Public Library, 73930 Church St., Armada, MI 48005
Thursday, June 25, 2026, Noon, New Haven Community Center, 58725 Haven Ridge Rd, New Haven, MI 48048
Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 10 am, Washington Twp. Senior Center. 57880 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48094
Future dates will be added on the Prosecutor’s website at https://www.macombgov.org/departments/prosecutors-office/senior-scams
Private SCAMS events may be scheduled for your group or organization. Contact Outreach Coordinator Heather Esposito at heather.esposito@macombgov.org or call (568)469-5642.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
