United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Anthony Sanders, also known as "Slanga," and Marlita Andrews on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Both individuals face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. The indictment also includes a notice that $12,825, allegedly obtained from the offense, is subject to forfeiture.
Court documents reveal that Sanders, an inmate in a Georgia prison, and Andrews conspired to defraud a victim in Sarasota of over $12,000. The victim was deceived by a scammer impersonating a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. The scam involved claims of an arrest warrant for missing jury duty and instructions to pay at a supposed "Bonding Transition Center," which was actually a Bitcoin ATM.
The victim deposited over $12,000 into cryptocurrency accounts as directed. These funds were quickly transferred into Andrews' bitcoin wallet and then dispersed into several other accounts. Investigations showed Sanders used phones in prison to instruct Andrews on managing the scam's proceeds and acquiring prepaid phones sent via drone.
This type of scam involves impersonators claiming victims missed jury duty and face arrest unless they pay fines or deposit money into specific accounts. Scammers often use personal information about victims and manipulate caller ID to match local law enforcement numbers. Investigations have uncovered that Georgia state prison inmates are participating in such schemes using illegally obtained prepaid phones, with outside associates assisting in fund transfers.
An indictment is a formal charge indicating alleged violations of federal criminal law; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and FBI Tampa Division – Sarasota Resident Agency, with support from FBI Atlanta Division – Macon Resident Agency and Atlanta Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts will prosecute the case.