Local businessman helps police arrest man soliciting donations for a fake baseball tournament

A quick-thinking businessman stopped an accused thief from defrauding other Washington County businesses.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office says 36-year-old Michael Gleesing asked the business owner to donate to a fake baseball tournament.

The owner became suspicious and google Gleesing, finding that the man had a criminal record.

The business owner then contacted his bank and canceled the check as the suspect was trying to cash it at a local branch. 

Authorities say the businessman then called 911 and followed Gleesing to a second business where he was then put under arrest. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office took Mr. Gleesing into custody for Theft-False Representation as well as a Dane County arrest warrant.

The Sheriff’s Office would encourage you to contact your local law enforcement agency if Mr. Gleesing defrauded your business.