Richland County Deputies Stop a Bank Fraud Scam

An alleged bank fraud operation that cost three local banks $20,000 has been stopped by a special Richland County Sheriff’s Department financial crimes unit.

Seven suspects, including most of the bank fraud scam’s ringleaders, have been arrested and formally charged with forgery, bank fraud, and related offenses, according to Sheriff Leon Lott. Another 16 suspects are on the loose.

According to officials, the bank fraud scam preyed on low-income people. Ringleaders recruited these people to open bank accounts at various local banks, and gave them money to do so. When the accounts were opened, the banks gave the new customers a book of starter checks. The account holders would then use the starter checks to receive more cash than was actually in the bank account.

“Additional arrests are forthcoming,” Sheriff Lott said in a press release.

The targeted banks were TD Bank, Wood Forest Bank, and Wells Fargo. Evidence was gathered with video surveillance at various branches.

The new financial crimes unit at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department helped gather evidence and arrest the suspects. According to Sheriff Lott, the new unit is comprised of six detectives who focus on financial and bank fraud, as well as identity theft.

While seven people have already been arrested and charged for bank fraud, the department is still searching for another sixteen suspects, wanted for identity theft, credit card fraud, and check fraud.

The following suspects have been caught and charged with forgery and bank fraud:

·         Terry Daniels (DOB: 08/25/1989)

·         Katrelle Breland (DOB: 08/15/1989)

·         Rachade Boulware (DOB: 11/05/1993)

·         Angela Johnson (DOB: 01/08/1991)

·         Courtney Blair (DOB: 03/12/1988)

·         Jamesha Coleman (DOB: 07/09/1994)

·         Dnice Sulton (DOB: 06/20/1994)
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is still searching for the following individuals in connection with the forgery and bank fraud scheme:

·         Jessica Blake (DOB: 10/31/1988)

·         Donovan Jackson (11/16/1991)

·         Willie Gilmore (DOB: 12/09/1991)

·         Percy Campbell (DOB: 11/12/1990)

·         Sonja McFarlin (DOB: 11/03/1980)

·         Brittany Gray (DOB: 07/25/1994)

·         Dale Manaiza (08/10/1986)

·         Shaquia Scott-Skillern (DOB:07/10/1987)

·         Gerald Morris (DOB: 01/29/1962)

·         Jamar Moore (DOB: 05/29/1994)

·         Jeremy Robinson (DOB: 04/20/1992)

·         Cory Johnson (DOB: 07/26/1993)

·         Robert Alford Jr. (DOB: 09/01/1994)

·         Makial Lawrence (DOB: 10/10/1988)

·         Chasity Henry (DOB: 04/05/1988)

·         Whitney Green (DOB: 01/07/1991)
If you recognize any of these names, or have any information related to the bank fraud scheme, please contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

Bank Fraud is a Serious Federal Crime

An arrest for bank fraud is serious and can jeopardize your personal and professional future.  When faced with a charge of bank fraud, you need an experienced bank fraud lawyer who can provide you an aggessive, well planned criminal defense and help you avoid prison time and other criminal penalties.

Common federal bank fraud allegations include:

·         making a false statement to a loan officer or bank official

·         deceiving a bank

·         falsifying loan documents

·         check fraud

·         forging check signatures

·         ATM fraud

·         Embezzlement

Federal bank fraud cases can also center on the wiring of money or information used to deceive individuals, businesses, or customers.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Bank Fraud Charges

If you face wire fraud, bank fraud, or other federal charges, the Columbia, SC attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations, so do not hesitate to contact us. 803.252.4800