A Georgia prison inmate is facing new charges after allegedly running a phone scam that targeted a Flagler County resident by impersonating a local law enforcement officer.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) has secured an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Abraham Rivas. Investigators say Rivas, who is currently serving time at Dooly State Prison in Georgia, orchestrated a scheme that successfully tricked a Palm Coast resident out of $1,000.
The case began on March 12, when deputies responded to a fraud report in Palm Coast. The victim told authorities they had sent two $500 payments to someone claiming to be “Officer Christopher Osorio” with the FCSO. According to the report, the victim believed the money was necessary to cover bond and the cost of an ankle monitor following the recent arrest of their spouse.
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Detectives with the FCSO General Assignment Unit tracked the missing funds to a specific bank account. The account holder informed investigators that Rivas had instructed them to accept the money, claiming the payments were winnings from legal sports betting. The account holder further stated that Rivas told them the senders were family members. Once received, the funds were transferred into Rivas’ inmate commissary account at the prison.
Detective First Class Douglas traveled to the Georgia facility to interview Rivas. During that meeting, Rivas reportedly admitted to running the operation and explained the mechanics of how the fraud functioned from within the prison system.
Rivas allegedly told the detective that other inmates were involved in similar scams and claimed that prison staff were aware of the illicit activity. He also stated that he used the proceeds from the fraud to buy marijuana inside the prison.
“This suspect used deception and impersonated FCSO to exploit our victim and they did this from a Georgia prison,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “It appears criminal activity is occurring right under their nose, and that is completely inexcusable. If you steal from our residents, whether you are in Flagler County or in a prison cell in another state, we will investigate the case, obtain a warrant, and hold you accountable.”
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Rivas is now charged with an organized scheme to defraud and grand theft. He was already serving a four-year sentence for aggravated assault, robbery, and theft, with a previous release date set for 2027.
Sheriff Staly reminded the public that the Sheriff’s Office will never contact individuals via phone, text, or email to demand money or personal information to clear warrants or avoid arrest.
“Do not send money to anyone you do not know, especially via Zelle, Cash App, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other instant payment methods, as its most likely a scam,” Staly added.
Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this specific scam to report it to their local law enforcement agency.
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