Attorney General James Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged another individual in connection with a check-fraud ring. Juwon James Thomas faces charges related to an organized scheme to defraud, conspiracy to commit grand theft, and other offenses for his involvement in a criminal operation that allegedly stole over $500,000 by depositing fraudulent Florida retirement checks.
"Florida is a law-and-order state, and there are consequences for criminal deeds," stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Our statewide prosecutors will seek justice in court and hold this fraudster accountable."
The investigation revealed that Thomas was part of a check fraud ring that altered stolen retirement checks for deposit into the accounts of conspirators. Both Thomas and his accomplices were based in Leon County, while the victims resided in Miami-Dade County.
Thomas is facing several charges: one count of organized scheme to defraud, classified as a first-degree felony; two counts of possession of personal identification information with intent to defraud, both third-degree felonies; one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, also a third-degree felony; one count of conspiracy to commit grand theft, another third-degree felony; and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, likewise categorized as a third-degree felony.
The case will be managed by Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.