Three gang members have been arrested following a year-long investigation in a massive check fraud conspiracy, authorities announced Tuesday.
The crime affected 200 people and businesses in Polk County, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Back in June 2022, Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a gas station call that resulted in the arrest of Tyler Jacob, a convicted felon known to be a member of the Trap Boys gang. A search was conducted.
When Jacob was arrested, he attempted to flee, but was found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, numerous fraudulent checks, altered and returned checks, other people's personal information written in a notebook, and 27 debit cards in other people's names. It was discovered that , computers and mobile phones, FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported.
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Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and other agencies shared evidence found during Operation Spin Cycle, which resulted in the arrest of three gang members. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
U.S. Attorney Mark Handberg said the checks in Jacob's possession appeared to be from a company that had reported fraudulent activity on his checking account and were deposited into an account associated with his debit card.
After executing a search warrant on Jacob's computer, investigators found check writing software and copies of fraudulent checks, Handberg added.
Investigators later determined that the information in the notes was stolen and belonged to deceased people, people who lived in assisted living facilities, and people who were mentally incompetent, FOX 13 reported.
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Three gang members were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a large-scale check fraud conspiracy. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
Jakuvious Green was found to be in possession of a blank check, blank check documents and a debit card and was suspended on a firearms charge. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Green is also affiliated with the Trap Boys gang.
A similar story followed when a third alleged gang member, Daquan Carey, was arrested on murder charges after the Lake Wales shooting.
“When we arrested him, we fought him,” Judd said at a news conference. “Our deputies risked their lives to pull a gun out of his waistband. What else did he have? A check, a credit card, and this is where the big operation begins. I understand.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the Trap Boys gang was “flushed” down the toilet. (Polk County Sheriff's Office/Facebook)
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Jacob and at least 19 co-conspirators are believed to have operated from July 2021 to November 2023 to defraud banks, credit unions, and businesses throughout Central Florida.
“They were kind of a part of this gang called the Trap Boys,” Judd said. “In fact, Tyler Jacob was known as the ‘money man.’ He kind of perfected the plan and was teaching it and bringing people in… But guess what? We kicked out the ‘Trap Boys.’” They cease to exist and are in the toilets and sewers. We are now chasing this toilet's accomplice. ”
