Every week, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia tells the media his mission is to root out the fraud and waste in state government and that he is doing.
His office announced that 6 people have been arrested for defrauding Florida taxpayers.
The CFO explained the scheme.
“These individuals orchestrated a scheme to process property damage claims through the Florida Division of Risk Management, allegedly defrauding the state of $1.7 million,” said the CFO.
Ingoglia also said the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) arrested these individuals, and all state agencies are fully cooperating with the investigation and expect more arrests to take place in the coming weeks.
“Let me be crystal clear: If you steal from Florida taxpayers, you will go to jail,” Ingoglia said. “Our Criminal Investigations Division investigators are working hard to put bad actors behind bars and hold fraudsters accountable.”
The suspects arrested were:
Briana McCarthy, a former employee of the Department of Financial Services, led the operation and processed over 220 suspicious property damage claims, resulting in $1.7 million in fraudulent payouts. She is charged with Grand Theft, Aggravated White-Collar Crime, Money laundering, Scheme to Defraud, Criminal use of Personal Identification Information, Communications Fraud, Official Misconduct, and Forgery.
Brianna Hannan, a former employee of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been charged with Grand Theft.
Carlotta Hawkins, a former employee of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been charged with Grand Theft and Cash Deposit Bank Item with Intent to Defraud.
Kearia Walker has been charged with Grand Theft.
Whitney Branch has been charged with Grand Theft and Cash Deposit Bank Item with Intent to Defraud.
Kavon Reese has been charged with Grand Theft. responders as they risk their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.
