Blaise Ingoglia, Florida’s chief financial officer, told the media weekly that his mission is to root out fraud and waste in state government, and he is doing just that.
His office announced that six people have been arrested for defrauding Florida taxpayers.
The CFO explained the scheme.
“These individuals are suspected of defrauding the state of $1.7 million by orchestrating a scheme to process property damage claims through the Florida Department of Risk Management,” the CFO said.
Ingoglia also said that the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested these individuals, that all state agencies are cooperating fully with the investigation, and that he expects more arrests to occur in the coming weeks.
“Let me be clear: If you steal from Florida taxpayers, you go to prison,” Ingoglia said. “Our agents in the Criminal Investigation Division are working hard to keep bad guys behind bars and hold fraudsters accountable.”
The arrested suspects are:
Brianna McCarthy, a former Department of Financial Services employee, led the operation and processed more than 220 suspicious property damage claims, resulting in $1.7 million in fraudulent payments. She is charged with grand theft, aggravated white collar crime, money laundering, fraudulent scheme, criminal use of personal identifying information, wire 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, was charged with grand theft and depositing cash with intent to defraud.
Kealia Walker was charged with grand theft.
Whitney Branch was charged with grand theft and depositing cash with intent to defraud.
Kayvon Reese was charged with grand theft. Responders are risking their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.
