On May 2, 2025, the Milton Police Department received a report of fraud at the Milton County Bank. Following an investigation, it was discovered that 61-year-old Joseph Deese had obtained a fraudulent check from a local landscaping business and cashed it for $4,000. Deese left the bank after the transaction. A warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest by a Milton Police Department officer.

On May 14, 2025, the Milton Police Department was notified by Capitol Police that they had taken Deese into custody. Deese was transported to the Milton Police Department, where he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond with a future court date. Deese currently has an active capias for his arrest from the Sussex County Superior Court due to failure to appear on these charges. It is essential to note that the issuance of an arrest warrant is based on probable cause established by the investigating agency and does not imply guilt. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.