Residents warned of phony schemes By JANIS STUART Staff Writer Attorney General Paul Van Dam has sent a message to those considering selling phony interests in oil and gas wells. Included in that message is a warning to local residents to beware of fraudulent schemes. Jeffrey Hankins was sentenced in 3rd District Court on two counts of securities fraud. In his guilty plea, Hankins admitted to defrauding two investors of approximately $27,750 by selling them phony interests in wells. One of the investors is a retired widow who invested over $23,000 with Hankins. Judge Kenneth Rigtrup sentenced Hankins to six months in jail and three years' probation, plus full restitution res-titution to the victims and a $500 fine. i