WINTER HAVEN -- Federal and local prosecutors joined the FBI, Lakeland police and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd to announce the dismantling of a gang-driven conspiracy to defraud businesses and even school districts across much of Florida.
Nineteen people have been federally indicted in "Operation Spin Cycle." U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger Handberg says the fraud operation was led by 24-year-old Tyler Jacob of Winter Haven, who allegedly taught other members of a now-defunct gang called the "Trap Boys" how to use stolen financial information. Victims include businesses and even school districts from Tampa to Polk County to Miami.
The FBI and Polk detectives were investigating the Trap Boys after several retaliatory shootings involving other street gangs. They discovered several suspected gang members had checks, debit cards, financial statements and fake IDs. Investigators say the group was defrauding credit unions, individuals, school districts, and businesses in several Florida communities, including Auburndale, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Miami, Riverview, Tampa, and Winter Haven. They allegedly stole checks and created fictitious checks, recruiting accomplices not inside the gang, who used their bank accounts to deposit and cash the bad checks.
The operation got its name after the FBI and Polk deputies raided Jacob's home and found a running washing machine with checks inside, almost a literal example of "money laundering."
Three men, including Jacob, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Photo: Canva