News Summary
Demetria Latimer has been extradited to Florida from Michigan, facing charges of scamming an Orange City resident out of $52,000 via a fraudulent Facebook Marketplace listing for a John Deere excavator. After the transaction was flagged by local bank authorities, Volusia County deputies acted quickly to freeze Latimer’s accounts and prevent further withdrawal of the funds. Sheriff Mike Chitwood has linked her to a larger scam network, possibly tied to Dubai, urging residents to stay vigilant against similar online scams.
Florida – Demetria Latimer has been extradited from Michigan to Volusia County, Florida, facing accusations of scamming an Orange City resident out of $52,000 through a fraudulent Facebook Marketplace listing. The alleged scam involved a fake advertisement for a 2019 John Deere excavator, which led the victim to send three checks to a bank account in Michigan controlled by Latimer.
Authorities quickly responded to the situation after a local bank flagged the significant transaction. Volusia County deputies intervened to freeze Latimer’s bank accounts, aiming to prevent any further laundering or movement of the funds before they could be fully withdrawn. Latimer reportedly attempted to disguise her identity while trying to withdraw the funds from a rented office in Michigan, highlighting the lengths she might go to in order to execute her scam.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood called Latimer a “money mule” in what is believed to be a larger scam operation potentially orchestrated by individuals based in Dubai. This indicates that the fraudulent activities may not be isolated incidents, and there could be more victims across the country associated with Latimer’s previous scams.
Details regarding additional victims or other charges against Latimer have not been disclosed, and the investigation remains active as authorities continue to untangle the scope of the operation and identify the masterminds behind it. The swift actions taken by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office demonstrate their commitment to addressing fraud and protecting local residents from such scams.
Investigation Background
The investigation began after a local bank detected the $52,000 transaction and alerted authorities. Following the initial alert, deputies were quick to act, freezing the associated bank accounts and preventing Latimer from accessing the funds. Sheriff Chitwood has acknowledged the teamwork of his deputies in swiftly tracking down and apprehending Latimer, underscoring the importance of local vigilance against scams.
Ongoing Investigation
The full extent of the fraudulent operation is still under investigation. Law enforcement is exploring connections between Latimer’s actions and a broader network thought to be operating from Dubai. This complexity suggests that Latimer may not be working alone, and other individuals could be involved in perpetuating similar scams nationwide.
Commitment to Combatting Fraud
Sheriff Chitwood has a notable history of personally welcoming extradited scam suspects at the airport, representing a hands-on approach to dealing with fraud crimes. He has issued a caution to potential scammers that Volusia County authorities will pursue anyone who targets its residents relentlessly.
Latimer is currently held in jail in Volusia County, facing charges stemming from her alleged role in the scam, while investigations into her past activities and any additional accomplices continue. Authorities continue to urge vigilance among the public, advising residents to be cautious when engaging in online transactions to avoid falling victim to similar fraud schemes.
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
