Mark Michael Ellis, 33, of Prescott, Arizona, is a fugitive wanted for fraud and drug-related charges after faking a Mexican cartel kidnapping scheme. Ellis sent his employer fabricated texts and a staged FaceTime video from a "basement"—later revealed to be his garage—claiming he needed $17,000 to avoid being killed. Authorities discovered the ruse when Ellis admitted he lost $15,000 gambling and used methamphetamine during the hoax. Detectives also found heroin paraphernalia in his home. Ellis fled during his trial, but a jury convicted him of attempted fraud, attempted theft, and drug paraphernalia possession. A warrant for his arrest remains active, with sentencing pending his capture. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Tipsters are urged to contact local law enforcement for information.