Eight people have been arrested following a large-scale check fraud investigation involving stolen mail, fraudulent bank deposits and hundreds of checks taken from churches and other victims across Manatee County and surrounding areas.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office identified the eight individuals arrested as Yucmercy Espinosa Obregon, Luis Miguel Sanchez Santos, Lisaida Castro Gonzalez, Ismery Ferrer Alonso, Luis Enrique Valdes Camejo, Dayanis Leon Hernandez, Duvier Hernandez Canizarez and Isidro Gonzalez Gomez.
The suspects face various charges, including organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, uttering a forged instrument and criminal use of personal identification.
The investigation began in December 2025 after a pastor at Harvest Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch reported a significant decrease in mail being delivered to the church. Church members had begun questioning whether their mailed donations had been received. Further investigation revealed that checks intended for the church had been stolen and deposited into an individual’s bank account.
Detectives subsequently uncovered fraudulent activity affecting at least 17 churches throughout Manatee County.
According to investigators, 66 victims have been identified in Manatee County, with 107 stolen checks accounting for more than $72,000 in confirmed losses. Detectives are also reviewing seven additional potential victims and seven checks totaling approximately $1,800 that have not yet been confirmed.
The investigation has extended beyond Manatee County, where authorities have identified another 268 stolen checks representing nearly $194,000 in confirmed losses.
Combined, the investigation has identified 375 stolen checks and more than $266,000 in confirmed losses across multiple jurisdictions. Those figures could increase as investigators review additional cases.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
Economic Crime detectives have also obtained active arrest warrants for additional suspects who remain at large. Authorities indicated that some individuals connected to the investigation may be in Miami, while another is believed to be in Cuba.
The case highlights the financial risks associated with checks sent through the mail, particularly for churches, nonprofit organizations and businesses that regularly receive mailed payments and donations.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents and organizations to monitor bank accounts, review cleared checks and verify that mailed payments have reached their intended recipients. Unexplained withdrawals, altered checks and payments that never arrive may indicate fraudulent activity.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the scheme is encouraged to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are possible.
The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.