by POLK COUNTY, FL – Eight individuals, including three residents of Polk County, have been arrested in connection with a massive $8.8 million fraud scheme that targeted 235 victims—many of whom were elderly—across multiple U.S. states.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday morning led by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, alongside Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and other law enforcement agencies.
The complex investigation began in April 2023 and uncovered a multi-state operation involving fraudulent access to personal financial accounts. Authorities say three of the suspects were bank employees in Maryland who used their positions to obtain sensitive account information.
Arrested Suspects:
- Barbara Frazee – From West Virginia; arrested on a Polk County warrant, now held in Polk County Jail on $260,000 bond.
- Camala Shafer – From Maryland; released from the Polk County Jail on June 30, 2025, after posting $10,000 bond.
- Antonio Penn – From Maryland; arrested by Maryland State Police, now held in Polk County Jail on $1,020,000 bond.
- Okeroghene Akushe – From Missouri; being held in Polk County Jail on $760,000 bond.
- Michael Nevarez – From Lakeland; held in Polk County Jail on $425,000 bond.
- Roshado Durrant – From Lakeland; being held without bond.
- Hassan Phillips – From Maryland; arrested on a Polk warrant, now held in Polk County Jail on $1,010,000 bond.
- Kevin Clayton – From Lakeland; arrested in California on a Polk County warrant, now held on an ICE hold in Polk County Jail.
Key Facts:
- Total victims: 235 individuals
- Total amount involved: Over $8.8 million
- Primary target group: Elderly victims
- Three suspects were bank employees with inside access to financial accounts
- All eight suspects are charged with racketeering and other related offenses
Officials urged the public, especially senior citizens, to remain vigilant and report suspicious banking or financial activity. The investigation remains ongoing.
