LAKELAND, Fla. – July 23, 2025 — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that eight people have been charged in connection with a sophisticated $8.8 million bank fraud operation that targeted over 230 victims, many of them senior citizens. The investigation revealed that the defendants accessed and sold sensitive banking information from inside a Maryland-based financial institution using encrypted messaging apps.
The scheme began with three bank employees who allegedly exploited their access to customer accounts. Investigators say one employee used co-workers’ credentials to retrieve personal information—including names, Social Security numbers, and bank account details—which was then distributed to co-conspirators who used the data to open accounts and transfer funds. Some of the stolen money was spent on personal purchases, including a new vehicle.
“This was a well-organized fraud ring stealing millions from innocent victims across the country,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, whose agency played a key role in the investigation. “They thought they could hide behind mobile apps and fake accounts, but we found them.”
Attorney General Uthmeier added that those arrested face charges including racketeering, conspiracy to commit RICO, criminal use of personal information, and unlawful use of communication devices.
The suspects and their charges include:
- Barbara Frazee (West Virginia): Charged with conspiracy to commit RICO, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and unauthorized computer access. She is being held in Polk County Jail on a $260,000 bond.
- Camala Shafer (Maryland): Charged with unauthorized computer access. She was released on $10,000 bond on June 30.
- Antonio Penn (Maryland): Accused of using co-workers’ login credentials to steal information. He faces multiple felony charges including racketeering and criminal use of personal information. He is being held on a $1,020,000 bond.
- Okeroghene Akushe (Missouri): Charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit RICO. His bond is set at $760,000. Authorities noted prior arrests related to fraud and drug offenses.
- Michael Nevarez (Lakeland, Fla.): Faces six charges including racketeering and grand theft. He is held on a $425,000 bond.
- Roshado Durrant (Lakeland, Fla.): Charged with multiple counts of racketeering, grand theft, and identity fraud. He is being held without bond.
- Hassan Phillips (Maryland): Arrested in Maryland and extradited to Polk County, where he is being held on a $1,010,000 bond.
- Kevin Clayton (Lakeland, Fla.): Arrested in California and currently held on an immigration hold after being charged with racketeering and identity fraud.
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Maryland and Virginia State Police, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office (MD), and the Florissant Police Department (MO).
The case is being prosecuted by Bureau Chief Whitney Mackay and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Kelli Llona from the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
