More Suspects Arrested in Bank Fraud Case, Many Turn Themselves In

After seven suspects were arrested in a bank fraud scam, busted by the new financial crimes unit of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, South Carolina news outlets aired the story with a list of names of suspects still on the loose.

Amazingly, many of these suspects have come forward and turned themselves in.

By Tuesday, May 7th, seven suspects had turned themselves in on bank fraud charges. In a press release, Sheriff Leon Lott said that in many cases, family members watched the news, saw their loved ones’ names, and persuaded them to turn themselves in.

“Once people, friends, relatives saw the broadcast they got in contact with the individuals we were looking for,” says Investigator Odell Glenn of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

One woman, who turned herself in and wished to remain anonymous, said that she did not know she was doing something illegal.

The scam preyed upon low-income people who had bad credit or were unable to open a bank account. The ringleaders found accomplices and offered them cash to open a bank account with a local bank. The bank would then issue the new customer a book of starter checks. The accomplices would give the starter checks to the ringleaders, who would start writing checks for more money than was in the bank account.

This bank fraud scam defrauded three local banks of more than $20,000.

The investigation is still ongoing and eight more suspects are on the loose.

“The ring leader is still actively recruiting from what we understand,” says Glenn.

Police are still searching for the following suspects wanted for bank fraud and forgery:

·         Donovan Jackson, 21

·         Percy Campbell, 22

·         Brittany Gray, 18

·         Dale Manaiza, 26

·         Gerald Morris, 51

·         Robert Alford Jr., 18

·         Whitney Green, 22

·         Sonja McFarlin, 32

If you have any information about these eight bank fraud and forgery suspects, 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 and Forgery Charges

Even being associated with bank fraud is a crime>. Assisting criminals in committing bank fraud, in any wa,y or participating in a cover up of illegal activities, is a serious federal offense, making it critical that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. 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