MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 18 individuals following a significant fraud investigation that revealed losses exceeding $2 million.
The investigation began when a local financial institution reported a surge in transfer fraud incidents in 2023. Authorities discovered that account information had been compromised, allowing funds to be transferred from victims’ accounts into various other accounts.
Those illicitly obtained funds were then utilized through multiple means, including ATM withdrawals, online and in-store purchases, and Cash App transactions.
According to the sheriff’s office, there have been attempted transfers totaling $3,453,655.72, with an actual loss of $2,000,397.01.
The following individuals were arrested and charged with first-degree theft of property and are currently held at the Morgan County Jail on a $5,000 bond:
- Bobby Wilkins, 61, of Decatur
- Nia Janaa Brown, 20, of Decatur
- Devron Lerand Carroll, 23, of Decatur
- Cody Allen Powell, 32, of Lacey’s Spring
- Jayden Mekhi Burton, 19, of Decatur
- Markus De’angelo Tapscott, 18, of Hartselle
- Rosie Lee Wallace, 51, of Decatur
- Steven Lee Steiner, 71, of Decatur
- Stella Jean Couch, 53, of Hartselle
- John Karlik Jr., 58, of Decatur
- Krista Lynn Spurgeon, 44, of Lacey’s Spring
- Eterniti Lee-Ann Powell, 23, of Huntsville
- Paula Carol Ivey Hatfield, 55, of Hartselle
- Lily-Grace Little, 19, of Priceville
- Tamari Michelle Boulden, 21, of Decatur
- Tyeisha Amia Lewis, 22, of Decatur
Additionally, two women were charged with second-degree theft of property and are being held on a $2,500 bond:
- Arieanna Michelle Swopes, 20, of Decatur
- Dana Carter Mosely, 56, of Decatur
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has also issued warrants for several other individuals connected to the fraud:
- Kobe Elijah Sharpley, 21, of Decatur
- Calup Duvun Cunningham, 21, of Decatur
- Traevion Malik Hill-Lawson, 18, of Decatur
- Joseph Anthony Berry, 68, of Decatur
Authorities encourage these individuals to turn themselves in.
