TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—The Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced charges against eight individuals involved in a significant bank fraud scheme. The operation reportedly resulted in the theft of $8.8 million from over 230 victims, primarily targeting seniors. The fraudulent activities began with three bank employees who shared and sold customers’ bank account information through an encrypted messaging app.
“Today, we announced the takedown of eight criminals who targeted seniors and stole $8.8 million from over 230 victims. They’re facing charges such as RICO, criminal use of personal information, and other serious felonies,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I’m grateful for the hard work of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in hunting these fraudsters down. Our Office of Statewide Prosecution will now get to work and hold them accountable.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd commented on the organized nature of the crime: “This wasn’t some small-time scam, this was a well-organized fraud ring stealing millions from innocent victims across the country,” he said. “They thought they could hide behind mobile apps and fake accounts, but we found them, and we’ll continue to go after anyone who targets hardworking people’s life savings.”
The investigation revealed that defendants used stolen personal data to transfer funds into new accounts they controlled, subsequently using or distributing these funds among themselves.
Three bank employees in Maryland—Barbara Frazee, Camala Shafer, and Antonio Penn—were identified as sources for the stolen information. These individuals allegedly accessed sensitive customer data which was then sold to conspirators via an encrypted app.
Charges have been filed against several individuals:
– Barbara Frazee faces multiple charges including conspiracy to commit RICO.
– Camala Shafer is charged with unauthorized computer access.
– Antonio Penn is charged with racketeering and other serious offenses.
– Okeroghene Akushe faces similar charges including prior arrests for related crimes.
– Michael Nevarez is charged with racketeering and grand theft among others.
– Roshado Durrant faces numerous counts including organized fraud.
– Hassan Phillips is also charged with racketeering-related offenses.
– Kevin Clayton was arrested on multiple charges including grand theft.
Various law enforcement agencies collaborated on this investigation alongside Florida’s statewide prosecutors.
Bureau Chief Whitney Mackay and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Kelli Llona are assigned to handle this case.
