On Thursday, May 30, the Bunnell Police Department and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men connected to a fraud scheme involving phone calls that impersonated a real FCSO employee. The investigation, supported by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, seeks additional victims affected by multiple scam calls received that day.
Throughout May 30, numerous reports surfaced regarding calls impersonating Sergeant Miley, a legitimate FCSO employee. The callers falsely claimed that victims had active arrest warrants but could avoid arrest by making a payment.
Following the investigation, Shawn Dufeal, 25, and Jameil LaBennett, 28, were apprehended outside the Flagler County Government Center. Dufeal faces charges including Scheme to Defraud – False Pretenses (Over $750), Grand Theft – Pickpocketing ($5,000 – $10,000), and Fraudulent Use of Identification without Consent (Vic. Public Servant). LaBennett is charged with Scheme to Defraud – False Pretenses (Under $20,000), Grand Theft – Pickpocketing ($5,000 – $10,000), and Falsely Impersonating a Police Officer.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be added. Anyone who received calls on May 30 from a person claiming to be “Sgt. Miley” is urged to contact the FCSO Communications Center at 386-313-4911.
Sheriff Rick Staly stated, “If you received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Sheriff’s Office employee, specifically claiming to be Sgt. Miley, I encourage you to contact us and file a report. Residents should educate themselves on these schemes as this is an old scam that keeps resurfacing. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will never call you and ask for money to avoid being arrested. If you’re uncertain of a deputy sheriff’s identity, please call our non-emergency number (386-313-4911) to verify.”
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon added, “If you received a call like this on May 30, your information could become valuable evidence in this investigation. I emphasize that no police officer or Sheriff’s Office employee will ask you for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any other form of payment to avoid arrest.”