Prichard Bust: Trick Or Treat?

The letter reads like it came from the Prichard prize patrol.

"It is with great pleasure The City of Prichard has the opportunity to assist its residence," the letter says. "The opportunity has come about due to some grant funds."

Seventy-one residents received the unsigned note offering free money to help pay utility bills. All they had to do was show up at city hall with their ID and a copy of the bill they want the city to help pay, but as with all things that seem too good to be true, this letter had a catch. The recipients all had outstanding warrants and when they showed up to collect their money, police planned to arrest them.

"We're always looking for creative ways to lure suspects in," said Latoya Veal, a spokesperson for the city.

Unfortunately for police, the timing of the planned bust could have been better. Prichard filed for bankruptcy just three days ago, so the idea that the city has extra money laying around may not be very believable.

Of the 71 targeted suspects, only two actually showed up.