CHAMBERS COUNTY, Ala. (WRBL) — A New York man is behind bars, accused of orchestrating a phishing scam that drained more than $860,000 in public funds from the Chambers County Commission, according to newly filed court documents.
Investigators say 32-year-old Petrus J. Laurent and his associates allegedly tricked county staff into wiring $864,079.47 to a fraudulent account he controlled. Authorities believe more suspects could be charged as the investigation continues.
According to the criminal complaint, “Laurent fraudulently obtained $864,079.47 from the Chambers County Commission Office through a phishing email and ACH wire transfer, in violation of Section 13A-8-2.1 of the Code of Alabama, 1975.”
The stolen money consisted of public funds meant for county operations.
Laurent was arrested in New Jersey on September 26 during a routine traffic stop after officers discovered an outstanding warrant from Chambers County. He was later extradited to Alabama and booked into the Chambers County Jail on October 23, 2025, where he remains held.
During a bond hearing on October 28, prosecutors requested that Laurent be held without bond, citing concerns that his release would jeopardize his future court appearances. Defense attorney Robin McIntyre asked the court to keep bond discussions open while reviewing options.
The next day, District Judge Terrence A. Brown ruled in favor of prosecutors, writing that Laurent’s release “would not reasonably assure his appearance” and that normal bail conditions were “inadequate under the facts and circumstances of this case.”
As a result, Laurent will remain in custody at the Chambers County Detention Facility pending trial. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Taylor-Lee Stokes with the Chambers County District Attorney’s Office.
The Chambers County Commission has not yet commented on how the phishing scam was executed or whether additional security measures are being implemented.
