ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming Police Department has made two arrests for allegedly extorting an Ishpeming resident for a large sum of money.

On Thursday, Ishpeming police received a complaint from a city resident that reported the person was contacted by an individual identifying themselves as a federal officer. The subject told the victim that if they did not give them money, they would be arrested. The suspect said that they were investigating the individual for Social Security fraud.

The suspect successfully extorted money from the victim on Wednesday and contacted them again on Thursday to request another large amount of money.

After the incident was reported, Ishpeming police conducted a sting operation to apprehend the suspect but were unsuccessful. On Friday, the police attempted another sting operation, this time resulting in the arrest of a man and a woman.

The suspects were arrested on one count of false pretenses-$20,000 or more but less than $50,000. The charge can carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and/or $15,000 or three times the value of the money or property involved, whichever is greater.

Ishpeming police were assisted by the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, Michigan State Police and UP Health Systems-Bell EMS.

Ishpeming police say that their officers will never come to your home asking for money and that any extortion attempts or fraudulent activites should be reported to local law enforcement.