Two suspects, Anthony Sanders and Marlita Andrews, were arrested for a fraudulent jury duty scam that swindled a Sarasota woman out of $12,000. Federal authorities stated that Sanders, an inmate at a Georgia state prison, orchestrated the scheme using a smuggled cell phone.
The victim received a phone call from someone impersonating a Sarasota County deputy, with the sheriff’s office phone number spoofed on the caller ID. The scammer falsely claimed the woman owed a fine for missing jury duty, even though she had attended her scheduled session. The victim was convinced to stay on the phone until the fine was paid and was directed to a bonding center. Instead, she was sent to a Bitcoin ATM at a local grocery store.
After making three deposits at the ATM, the money was transferred to Andrews’ cryptocurrency account, then dispersed to other accounts. Federal authorities explained that Sanders used his illicit cell phone to communicate with his girlfriend, Andrews, instructing her to purchase phones and arrange for them to be smuggled into the prison. Investigators suspect drones may have been used to carry the devices.
Both Sanders and Andrews are charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, with a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. Sanders remains incarcerated, while Andrews was released on bond and is under GPS monitoring.
Authorities believe other victims have been affected by similar scams, with Sarasota’s sheriff’s office receiving reports of 30 individuals swindled out of more than $150,000 in the past year. Federal authorities urge the public to be cautious, as no law enforcement agency will ever call to demand money for missed jury duty.
If you have been a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
