US Edition8 Arrested in $8.8M Scheme Targeting Hundreds Across US, Florida Sheriff Says
POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA, JUL 23 – The eight suspects exploited bank employee access to steal $8.8 million from 235 victims, mostly seniors, using encrypted app Telegram to sell stolen data, officials said.
- On July 23, 2025 in Polk County, Florida, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced eight people face charges in a multi-state $8.8 million bank fraud and racketeering scheme, which targeted over 230 victims, mainly elderly.
- Investigation began in April 2023 when Synchrony Bank flagged suspicious activity on Michael Nevarez's account, a probe that uncovered three bank employees exploiting customer data via Telegram to funnel stolen funds for purchases like new cars.
- Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the operation as `a well-organized fraud ring stealing millions`, with the investigation involving multiple agencies and suspects facing charges with bonds up to $1 million.
- Michael Nevarez is held in Polk County Jail on a $425,000 bond, while Kevin Clayton remains on an ICE hold after his California arrest, and suspects hail from Lakeland, Maryland, Missouri and West Virginia.
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14 Articles
Florida Attorney General Charges Eight Suspects Accused of $8.8M Bank Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors
LAKELAND, Fla. – July 23, 2025 — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that eight people have been charged in connection with a sophisticated $8.8 million bank fraud operation that targeted over 230 victims, many of them senior citizens. The investigation revealed that the defendants accessed and sold sensitive banking information from inside a […] The post Florida Attorney General Charges Eight Suspects Accused of $8.8M Bank…
James Uthmeier, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announce massive bust of bank fraud ring
Multiple Florida law enforcement agencies have concluded a two-year investigation into a sprawling bank fraud scheme that spanned several states and countries and involved at least eight suspects, including a former NCAA Division 1 and NFL football player. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd joined Attorney General James Uthmeier and Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials at a news conference to detail “Operation Teller to Telegram” that cra…
Florida AG, Polk sheriff: 8 charged in multi-state, $8.8 million bank fraud, racketeering scheme
Eight people are facing charges in a multi-state, $8.8 million bank fraud and racketeering scheme impacting 235 people, mainly those who are elderly, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
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