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Three arrested in coupon fraud following FDLE investigation

By Staff | Sep 22, 2020

Following an FDLE investigation, three individuals have been arrested and charged with operating a fraudulent coupon scam resulting in the theft of more than $30,000 at drug stores throughout central and south Florida.

FDLE’s Sebring Field Office began investigating after being contacted by Walgreens Loss Prevention. Drug stores in DeSoto, Charlotte, Lee, Broward, Brevard and Volusia counties were targeted, FDLE stated in a release issued Tuesday.

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

According to the release:

Kenya Nakia Morris, 25, of 6323 Oleander Terrace, Rivera Beach, was charged with grand theft $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, and conspiracy to commit grand theft $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device on Sept. 10. Morris was booked into the Palm Beach County Detention Center.

Thelma Inez Flint, 26, of 3708 Wedge Wood Plaza, Riviera Beach, was charged with grand theft $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, and conspiracy to commit grand theft $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device on Sept. 10. Flint was booked into the Palm Beach County Detention Center.

Ramona Foster, 45, of 15265 North Pecan Avenue, Gardendale, Texas, was charged with grand theft $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, and conspiracy to commit grand theft $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device, on Sept. 18. Foster was booked into Ector County Jail in Texas.

Foster produced fraudulent digital and paper coupons that Morris and Flint used to purchase gift cards and other items at little to no cost to them, FDLE officials said.

“After the purchases, Morris and Flint provided half of the stolen gift cards to Foster as payment for creating the fraudulent coupons. Morris and Flint would then sell the items they purchased on social media for cash,” the release from the agency states.

This case is being prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution in Fort Myers.