MARTIN COUNTY — A 21-year-old Daytona Beach woman has been arrested on fraud-related charges after investigators say she participated in a bank phone scam that cost a local victim nearly $1,700.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Thalia Jacqueline James turned herself in on an active arrest warrant. Detectives said James declined to cooperate when questioned about whether other individuals were involved in the alleged scheme.
Despite her lack of cooperation, investigators reported they were able to trace the stolen funds directly to James’ bank account, where the money was deposited and later spent.
James was booked into the Martin County Jail and charged with grand theft and fraudulently obtaining property under $20,000. Her bond was set at $10,000.
Authorities said the victim was unable to recover most of the stolen money, as investigators determined the funds had already been spent by the time the case was identified.
The sheriff’s office also highlighted the growing impact of fraud in the area. Investigators said fraud-related crimes have resulted in more than $12 million in losses for Martin County victims over the past two years. Officials noted that such losses are often not covered by insurance, even when victims bank with federally insured institutions.
The investigation has concluded, and James now faces the charges stemming from the case. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
