BRANFORD, CT (WFSB) — A Missouri man has been arrested in connection with a $355,859 wire fraud case that targeted a Branford-based finance company, according to local authorities.
Shawn Evans, 57, of Sikeston, Missouri, was taken into custody after a months-long investigation led by Branford police, in collaboration with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Benton, MO.
In May 2024, a fraudulent wire transfer totaling $355,859 was obtained under a fictitious name. Investigators later traced the funds to a personal JP Morgan Chase account belonging to Evans.
Police say Evans was part of a larger fraud scheme spanning multiple states. An arrest warrant was issued, charging him with first-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.
Evans was arrested on June 20 as a fugitive from justice and held on $500,000 bond. He waived his right to an extradition hearing and was transported to Connecticut by Branford detectives earlier this week. He appeared before a judge on Wednesday.
“This case highlights the increasing complexity of financial crimes that span multiple states and utilize digital currencies,” Branford police said in a statement. Authorities confirmed that a significant portion of the stolen funds was recovered from Evans’ bank accounts and returned to the victim company.
The investigation remains ongoing.
