ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A Florida man serving a prison sentence for robbery pulled off a staggering $1.2 million fraud scheme while behind bars—and used part of the stolen money to build a house, according to federal prosecutors.
Jared Borgesto Murray, 41, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, authorities said.
While serving time in a Florida state prison, Murray orchestrated a scheme that targeted a nationwide business. Although specific details about how the fraud was carried out were not immediately released, prosecutors said the conspiracy involved misuse of mail and electronic communications to siphon over $1.2 million.
A portion of the illicit funds was used to finance the construction of a home.
The case highlights how fraud schemes can be executed even from inside correctional facilities—and raises ongoing concerns about inmates exploiting external communication systems and contacts.
Murray’s latest sentence will be served consecutively to his existing robbery term.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not disclosed whether additional individuals are being investigated in connection with the scheme.
