Earlier this week, members of the Tampa Police Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested seven individuals on fraud charges. Each suspect is also facing additional charges.

Forty-nine people were arrested in September, following a yearlong investigation by several local and federal agencies. These arrests are a continuation of the initial investigation.

Police said that during interviews after the suspects were arrested, several said they were going to take part in their own stimulus program.

So far, Ms. Wilma Lee Gallagher, who turned 70 years old on December 6th, is the oldest person arrested in the investigation. Ms. Gallagher was charged with one count of uttering a forged instrument. She was taken into custody after she attempted to cash a Green Dot check at an Amscot facility using a fraudulent power of attorney, police said.

After arresting Ms. Briana Latisha Keaton police allegedly seized a ledger that contained more than 100 names. She is facing charges of credit card fraud and criminal use of personal information. Ms. Keaton, 22, is alleged to have used the information of a 92-year-old Alzheimer’s patient in a nursing home to pay off a 50-inch flat screen television, washer and dryer.

Ms. Endrica Michell Simpson, 37, was charged with the criminal use of personal information. Police reportedly found a Green Dot card with several U. S. Treasury refunds on the card. The search took place after a traffic stop revealed that Ms. Simpson was driving on a suspended license, police said. 

Police said the image of Rashad Ahmeir Cortez, 24, was captured on camera as he allegedly used a Green Dot card. Cortez allegedly attempted to hide the card in his shoe as police searched his vehicle during a traffic stop. The victim lives in Ohio. Cortez was charged with criminal use of personal information.[private]

Travis Rennard Johnson, 23, was arrested and charged with credit card fraud and criminal use of personal information. Johnson is alleged to have used a Green Dot card in a jewelry store at University Square Mall.

Police said the victim does not know Johnson and is an 82-year-old resident of Illinois.

Ms. Alonia Shameka Anderson, 35, is facing five counts of identity theft, scheme to defraud, and credit card fraud.

Police said that during a traffic stop, the officers smelled marijuana and searched the vehicle. During the search, they allegedly discovered a Green Dot card in another person’s name.

Police learned that the victim, who has no ties to Tampa, is currently in prison.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 39-year-old Darryl Deon Smith on charges of credit card fraud and criminal use of personal information. He is alleged to have used a Green Dot card in someone else’s name to purchase a money order.[/private]

***Look for full story in Friday’s Sentinel***

Pictured: Top, l-r-Wilma Lee Gallager, Briana Michell Simpson, Endrica Simpson & Rashad Cortez