MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Two individuals from Leon County have been charged in connection with a multi-member fraud ring accused of stealing more than $500,000 by altering and depositing fraudulent Florida retirement checks, the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution has announced.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said the cases against Ottisha Torres and Juwon James Thomas involve felony charges tied to an organized criminal scheme that targeted retirement benefits from victims in Miami-Dade County.
“It is our duty to take swift and decisive action to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable,” said Attorney General Uthmeier.
“This fraudster stole hundreds of thousands of dollars using fake and altered retirement checks, and now our Statewide Prosecutors will pursue justice in court.”
According to the investigation, Ms Torres allegedly agreed to alter or duplicate stolen retirement checks and worked with co-conspirators to deposit the fraudulent funds into various accounts. Mr Thomas is also said to have worked with the same criminal network to facilitate the theft and deposit of the checks.
“Florida is a law-and-order state, and there are consequences for criminal deeds. Our statewide prosecutors will seek justice in court and hold this fraudster accountable,” said Mr Uthmeier.
Torres is charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, two counts of possession of personal identification information with intent to defraud, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and one count of conspiracy to commit grand theft greater than $100,000. Her charges range from first- to third-degree felonies.
Thomas faces one count of organized scheme to defraud, two counts of possession of personal identification information with intent to defraud, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, one count of conspiracy to commit grand theft, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. His charges also span first- to third-degree felonies.
The Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution, under the leadership of Attorney General Uthmeier, is handling both cases.
