Two men arrested for phone scam posing as Flagler sheriff’s sergeant | Local news from the Observer

On Thursday, May 30, the Bunnell Police Department and Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men in connection with a fraud scheme that involved making calls impersonating FCSO employees. Authorities are working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate multiple scam calls from the same day and are looking for additional victims.

Throughout May 30, the FCSO received several reports of scam calls in which callers were posing as agency employees. The callers posed as Sergeant Miley – a real FCSO employee – and told victims that there was a warrant out for their arrest, but that their arrest could be avoided by making a payment.

As part of the investigation, Shawn Dufeal, 25, and Jameil LaBennett, 28, were arrested outside the Flagler County Government Center in connection with the fraud scheme. Dufeal is charged with Scheme to Fraud – False Pretenses (Over $750), Grand Theft – Pickpocketing ($5,000 – $10,000), and Fraudulent Use of Identification Without Consent (Victoria Public Officer). LaBennett is charged with Scheme to Fraud – False Pretenses (Under $20,000), Grand Theft – Pickpocketing ($5,000 – $10,000), and Falsely Impersonating a Police Officer.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. Anyone who received a call on May 30 from a caller claiming to be “Sgt. Miley” is asked to contact the FCSO Communications Center at 386-313-4911.

“If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a Sheriff’s Office employee and specifically identifying themselves as Sergeant Miley, I encourage you to contact us and file a report,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Residents should be aware of these schemes as it is an old scam that keeps cropping up. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will never call you asking for money to avoid (arrest). … If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a deputy and you are unsure of their identity, I encourage you to call our non-emergency number (386-313-4911) to verify their identity before following their instructions.”

Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said, “If you received a call like this (on May 30), your information could become valuable evidence in this investigation. I stress that no police officer or Sheriff’s Office employee will call you and ask for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or any other form of payment to avoid arrest.”