MAYFIELD, Ky. — The Graves County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a second suspect in connection with an alleged scam that defrauded a local couple out of approximately $83,000, according to Sheriff Jon Hayden.
Authorities say the victims received a mailer falsely claiming they had won a $250 million jackpot. After calling a phone number listed in the mailing, the couple was instructed to deposit money to cover supposed fees required to release the winnings. Investigators say the victims ultimately sent about $83,000 before communication with the suspects abruptly stopped.
The alleged scam occurred in September 2025, according to the sheriff’s office.
The second suspect, Hurane Courtney Martin, a Jamaican citizen, was taken into custody on January 22 at Fort Lauderdale International Airport after arriving from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Authorities say Martin applied for entry into the United States as a visitor and presented a valid nonimmigrant visa. During inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered an active arrest warrant from Graves County.
According to investigators, Martin is the account holder of the bank account where the victims deposited the funds connected to the alleged scheme. CBP officers contacted the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, which confirmed the warrant. Martin was then taken into custody and booked into the Broward County Jail.
Martin has been charged with engaging in organized crime and theft by unlawful taking over $10,000. He is currently awaiting extradition to Kentucky to face the charges.
His arrest follows the earlier apprehension of Deroney A. Facey, another Jamaican national accused of participating in the same scheme. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Graves County Sheriff’s Detective Tony Cornwell.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators believe Martin was one of three co-conspirators involved in the alleged fraud. The complaint states that the victims were misled into believing they had won a lottery prize and were instructed to send money for purported “IRS fees.” Officials allege Martin received funds under false pretenses and was linked to fraudulent transactions deposited into his account.
Martin is also charged under Kentucky law (KRS 292.320) for securities fraud involving more than $10,000.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
