LA CROSSE, Wis. — An Illinois man accused of contributing to scams in Missouri, Wisconsin and Colorado faces new charges in Houston County. ADVERTISEMENTHe is charged with felony theft; theft by swindle; theft indifferent to owner rights; and receiving stolen property after allegedly helping to deprive a Minnesota man of $150,000. The Houston County case:In December 2022, a scammer contacted a Houston County man, identified himself as a U.S. Customs Agent named "Paul Abote," and told the Minnesota resident he was associated with an "illicit package mailed to Texas from Mexico." On May 5, 2023, Homeland Security Agent contacted the Houston County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) about the scam involving the man, according to court documents. The Houston County man initially declined to speak with the HCSO's investigator and called someone on the phone.