POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Nineteen people have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud following a federal investigation into a multi-million dollar scheme operating across central Florida.
One of the lead defendants, Tyler Jacob, 26, of Winter Haven, also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, witness tampering, and destruction of evidence. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the guilty pleas.
The following additional defendants entered guilty pleas in connection with the conspiracy:
- Qornelious Campbell, 33, Winter Haven
- Kenneth Cole II, 27, Winter Haven
- Kenisha Coffer, 27, Minneola
- D’Andranika Crews, 22, Lakeland
- Ebony Fields, 28, Winter Haven
- Victoria Ferrer, 24, Lakeland
- Aaliyah Gotay-Woods, 25, Bartow
- Bre’asia Harris, 28, Winter Haven
- Jaun Hillman, 53, Winter Haven
- Keith Honors, Jr., 41, Lakeland
- Kendrick Iles, 22, Plant City
- Arkuria Lewis, 24, Lakeland
- Deven Little, 30, Lakeland
- Josie Lopez, 31, Haines City
- Clarissa Morris, 26, Lakeland
- Tamiria Perry, 29, Winter Haven
- Tamaries Richardson, 32, Bartow
- Kalei Spicer, 24, Live Oak
Court documents show the investigation began in 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office targeted the “Trap Boys,” a violent street gang operating in central Florida. Law enforcement initiated the probe following several retaliatory shootings between the Trap Boys and rival gangs.
During the arrests of gang members, investigators discovered large quantities of stolen checks, debit cards, financial statements, and identification cards belonging to third parties.
A subsequent investigation revealed that from July 2021 through November 2023, the defendants participated in a coordinated ring to defraud financial institutions, individuals, and businesses. The operations spanned multiple Florida cities, including Winter Haven, Auburndale, Riverview, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Tampa, and Miami.
According to federal prosecutors, members of the conspiracy stole legitimate checks from businesses and individuals. They used check-writing software to alter those checks or create entirely fictitious ones, changing the names of the banks, businesses, and the payment amounts.
The co-conspirators utilized automated systems and online databases to research target businesses, gathering intelligence on their transaction histories, account balances, and check numbering sequences.
The group then recruited accomplices who agreed to provide their personal banking information, Social Security numbers, debit cards, and online account passwords. The forged and altered checks were then deposited into these accounts at dozens of banks and credit unions across the region.
The scheme impacted approximately 26 banks and more than 200 victims. The victim list includes public school districts, colleges, state agencies, insurance companies, law firms, construction companies, tile companies, and auto repair shops.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes is prosecuting the case.
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