The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office arrests 18 people charged with fraud, with losses totaling more than $2 million

MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18 people Wednesday after a comprehensive fraud investigation uncovered more than $2 million in losses.

According to the sheriff’s office, a large amount of wire fraud occurred at a local financial institution in 2023. MSCO said it obtained account information and then transferred funds from the victim’s accounts to other accounts.

These funds were then used in a variety of ways, such as ATM withdrawals, in-store or online purchases, and through Cash App.

MSCO said there were more than $3,453,655.72 in attempted transfers, with a total loss of over $2,000,397.01.

The following individuals were arrested and charged with first-degree theft of property and are being held in the Morgan County Jail on $5,000 bail:

• Bobby Wilkins, 61 of Decatur
• Nia Janaa Brown, 20 of Decatur
• Devron Lerand Carroll, 23 of Decatur
• Cody Allen Powell, 32 of Lacey’s Spring
• Jayden Mekhi Burton, 19 of Decatur
• Markus De’angelo Tapscott, 18, of Hartselle
• Rosie Lee Wallace, 51, of Decatur
• Steven Lee Steiner, 71 of Decatur
• Stella Jean Couch, 53 of Hartselle
• John Karlik Jr., 58, of Decatur
• Krista Lynn Spurgeon, 44 of Lacey’s Spring
• Eterniti Lee-Ann Powell, 23 of Huntsville
• Paula Carol Ivey Hatfield, 55, of Hartselle
• Lily-Grace Little, 19, of Priceville
• Tamari Michelle Boulden, 21 of Decatur
• Tyeisha Amia Lewis, 22, of Decatur

The following women were arrested and charged with second-degree theft of property. They are being held in the Morgan County Jail on $2,500 bail.

• Arieanna Michelle Swopes, 20 of Decatur
• Dana Carter Mosely, 56 of Decatur

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office said it has issued arrest warrants for the following people in connection with the scam:

• Kobe Elijah Sharpley, 21 of Decatur
• Calup Duvun Cunningham, 21 of Decatur
• Traevion Malik Hill-Lawson, 18 of Decatur
• Joseph Anthony Berry, 68 of Decatur

MSCO said they are encouraging these individuals to turn themselves in.