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FDLE: Caretaker used victim's identity to take out $61K in loans

Posted at 11:12 AM, Jul 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-05 10:16:40-04

LIVE OAK, Fla. (WTXL) - A Mayo caretaker arrested for an identity theft scheme is suspected of defrauding several business owners in Tallahassee of over $186,500.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says they arrested Tavaress Montriel Thomas, 30, for one count of organized scheme to defraud over $50,000.

In March 2018, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office asked FDLE to investigate an incident where a number of bank accounts had been fraudulently added to a loan.

The investigation revealed that Thomas, the caretaker for the victims’ son, had gained access to their account and used personal information to obtain loans. In total, investigators believe that Thomas obtained over $61,000 in proceeds from this fraudulent activity. 

Thomas has also been accused of defrauding several business owners in Tallahassee of over $186,500.

Thomas was booked into the Lafayette County Jail and this case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, Third Judicial Circuit.

Agents believe there could be additional victims. If you have any information regarding suspicious or fraudulent activity involving Thomas, please contact the FDLE Live Oak Field Office at (386) 330-2840.