LAKELAND, Fla. – July 23, 2025 – Florida Attorney General James Usmier announced Tuesday that eight people have been charged in connection with a sophisticated $8.8 million bank fraud business targeting more than 230 casualties. The investigation revealed that the defendant used an encrypted messaging app to access and sell sensitive bank information from within a Maryland-based financial institution.
The scheme began with three bank employees allegedly using access to customer accounts. Investigators say one employee will use the colleague’s credentials to obtain personal information, including their name, Social Security number and bank account details. This was distributed to conspirators who used data to open accounts and transfer funds. A portion of the stolen money was spent on personal purchases, including new vehicles.
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“It was a well-organized fraud ring that had millions of people stolen from innocent victims around the country,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, whose agency played a key role in the investigation. “They thought they could hide behind mobile apps and fake accounts, but we found them.”
Attorney General Uthmeier added that there are facial accusations, including accusations of these arrested faces, conspiracy to commit RICO, criminal use of personal information and illegal use of communications equipment.
The suspect and his accusations include:
Barbara Frazee (West Virginia): He was responsible for conspiracy to commit RICO, illegal use of two-way communication devices, and unauthorized computer access. She is being held at the Polk County Jail on a $260,000 bond. Camala Shafer (Maryland): charged with unauthorized computer access. She was released on June 30th on a $10,000 bond. Antoniopen (Md.): Accused of using a colleague’s login credentials to steal information. He faces multiple felony charges, including assaulting personal information and criminal use. He is held on a $1,020,000 bond. Okeroghene Akushe (Missouri): charged with assault and conspiracy to commit Rico. His bonds are set at $760,000. Authorities noted previous arrests related to fraud and drug crimes. Michael Nevarez (Lakeland, Fla.): Faces six charges, including assault and grand theft. He is held on a $425,000 bond. Roshado Durrant (Lakeland, Fla.): charged with multiple counts of assault, grand theft and identity fraud. He is restrained without a bond. Hassan Phillips (Maryland): Arrested in Maryland and handed over to Polk County, where he is held on a $1,010,000 bond. Kevin Clayton (Lakeland, Fla.): Arrested in California and is currently on hold for immigration after being charged with assault and identity fraud.
Several law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Maryland and Virginia State Police, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office (MD) and the Floriston Police Department (MO).
The case is being charged by Chief Whitney Mackay, Director of the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office and senior prosecutor Kelly Lerona, statewide.
