Authorities have arrested several additional individuals, including two former state employees, in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme that cost the state of Florida more than $1.7 million through bogus vehicle damage claims.
Investigators say the scheme was led by Briana McCarthy, a former program specialist with the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS). McCarthy was arrested on Jan. 27 and faces multiple charges, including white-collar crime against a state agency, grand theft, money laundering, solicitation, conspiracy, and official misconduct.
According to investigators, between 2021 and 2024 McCarthy approved fraudulent claims for vehicles allegedly damaged on state roadways. Authorities say she split the proceeds with co-conspirators, approved 224 false claims totaling more than $1.7 million, recruited participants, and altered or submitted fraudulent documentation on their behalf.
On Feb. 9, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the latest arrests in a news release.
“Let me be crystal clear: If you steal from Florida taxpayers, you will go to jail,” Ingoglia said. “Our Criminal Investigations Division investigators are working hard to put bad actors behind bars and hold fraudsters accountable.”
A DFS spokesperson did not respond to a Feb. 6 inquiry regarding how the alleged scheme went undetected for several years.
The most recent arrests include:
Brianna Hannan, 28, of Tallahassee, a former Department of Business and Professional Regulation employee, charged with grand theft;
Carlotta Hawkins, 36, of Tallahassee, charged with grand theft and cash deposit of a bank item with intent to defraud;
Kearia Walker, charged with grand theft;
Whitney Branch, charged with grand theft and cash deposit of a bank item with intent to defraud;
Kavon Reese, charged with grand theft.
According to arrest records, Hawkins was initially contacted by a family member of McCarthy, described by investigators as a key participant in the scheme, and was asked if she wanted to make extra money.
In 2024, Hawkins filed a claim with the Florida Department of Transportation alleging her vehicle was damaged by a pothole in Bradenton. Investigators say McCarthy approved the claim, resulting in a $7,689 payout. Hawkins later disclosed details of the scheme during a confidential interview with DFS detectives, stating the funds were split evenly among herself, McCarthy, and the family member.
Hannan allegedly received a $7,675 check related to a fraudulent vehicle damage claim in Orange County. She denied involvement in the scheme but acknowledged knowing McCarthy’s family member, identified in arrest records as a suspect and central figure.
The Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division conducted the arrests and said all state agencies are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. DFS officials stated that additional arrests are expected in the coming weeks and encouraged anyone involved to voluntarily come forward.
