TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with a $1.7 million fraud scheme involving fraudulent property damage claims, bringing the total number of people charged to nine.
Briana McCarthy, a former Risk Management Program Specialist with the Florida Department of Financial Services, is accused of approving fraudulent claims that defrauded state agencies of approximately $1.7 million. She faces numerous charges tied to the alleged scheme.
According to court records, Shelton Allen, Latasha Belford and Nijah Johnson were arrested last Thursday. Each is charged with grand theft and cashing a bank item with intent to defraud.
Investigators allege the three individuals were beneficiaries of fraudulent claims approved by McCarthy. Records show Allen and Belford each cashed checks exceeding $8,000, while Johnson reportedly cashed a check for nearly $7,000.
The latest arrests follow charges filed last week against five others, including two former state employees. Brianna Hannan, Carlotta Hawkins, Kearia Walker and Whitney Branch are among those facing theft-related charges.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are expected as prosecutors continue reviewing the case.
