An Arizona man who authorities say fabricated an elaborate cartel kidnapping story in an attempt to recover gambling losses is now the subject of a manhunt after disappearing midway through his criminal trial.
According to the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, 33-year-old Mark Michael Ellis of Prescott was convicted last week on charges including attempted fraud schemes, attempted theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. Prosecutors say Ellis fled before the trial concluded and remains at large.
Investigators said Ellis contacted his employer with a series of alarming text messages claiming he had been abducted by a Mexican drug cartel. In the messages, he allegedly warned that more than $17,000 needed to be wired to him immediately or he would be killed.
Authorities said Ellis escalated the deception by making a FaceTime call in which he appeared distressed and claimed he was being held captive in a basement. During the video call, prosecutors said he pleaded for the money to be sent to save his life.
The scheme unraveled after the employer contacted the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Once detectives became involved, Ellis allegedly admitted the kidnapping story was fabricated and said he had lost more than $15,000 through online gambling.
Detectives later determined the “basement” shown in the video call was actually Ellis’ garage at his home. Authorities also reported finding heroin-related paraphernalia during the investigation. Prosecutors said Ellis admitted he had been using methamphetamine while sending the messages to his employer.
His girlfriend, who was at the home when investigators arrived, reportedly had no knowledge of the staged kidnapping plot.
Despite fleeing before the end of the proceedings, Ellis was convicted by a jury Thursday. Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest, and sentencing will take place once he is taken back into custody.
