Another arrest made in large check fraud investigation

Another arrest made in large check fraud investigation

The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit in the Upper Keys has made an additional arrest as part of an investigation into a well-organized fraud organization operating in Monroe County, bringing the number of arrests to 11 as of Friday.

Crystal Anne Leonard, 37, of Tavernier, Florida, was charged with larceny and fraud.

The investigation began in November 2022 after Detectives noticed a criminal pattern regarding multiple check-fraud cases, which led to seven suspects being identified and the discovery of more than $175,000 stolen in 57 instances. The suspects were intercepting checks in the mail and fraudulently depositing them into other bank accounts.

The investigation is ongoing and more arrests may be pending.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Detectives in the Upper Keys at 305-853-3211, Middle Keys at 305-289-2430, or Lower Keys at 305-292-7060.

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