Multiple state government employees were arrested in Florida.
Six people who defrauded Florida taxpayers were arrested, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia stated yesterday. These individuals conspired to file property damage claims through the Florida Division of Risk Management, reportedly robbing the state of $1.7 million.
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According to the Florida chief financial officer:
Briana McCarthy, a former employee of the Department of Financial Services, oversaw the operation and processed over 220 questionable property damage claims, resulting in $1.7 million in fraudulent payments. She was charged with grand theft, aggravated white-collar crime, money laundering, a scheme to defraud, criminal use of personal identification information, communications fraud, official misconduct, and forgery.
Brianna Hannan, a former employee of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been charged with grand theft.
Carlotta Hawkins, a former employee of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been charged with grand theft and cash deposit bank item with intent to defraud.
Kearia Walker was charged with grand theft.
Whitney Branch was charged with grand theft and using a cash deposit bank item with the intent to defraud.
Kavon Reese was charged with grand theft.
The Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) arrested these people, and all state agencies are actively cooperating with the investigation.
“Let me be crystal clear: If you steal from Florida taxpayers, you will go to jail,” Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said. “Our Criminal Investigations Division investigators are working hard to put bad actors behind bars and hold fraudsters accountable. As CFO, I will not allow waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars to be left unchecked, and I will pursue any criminal attempting to steal from the taxpayers to the fullest extent of the law.”
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia is the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the head of the Florida Department of Financial Services.
