Two men arrested in phone scams posing as Flagler Sheriff's Sergeant | Local News Observer

On Thursday, May 30, the Bunnell Police Department and the Flagler County Sheriff's Office arrested two men in connection with a fraud scheme involving phone calls impersonating an FCSO employee. Agencies are working with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate multiple scam calls from the same day and are searching for additional victims.

Throughout May 30, FCSO received several reports of scam calls impersonating an agency employee. The callers claimed to be Sergeant Miley – a real FCSO employee – and told the victims that they had an active warrant for their arrest, but that their arrest could be prevented by making a payment.

Through investigative means, Shawn Dufeal, 25, and Jameil LaBennett, 28, were arrested outside of the Flagler County Government Center in connection with the fraud scheme. Dufeal faces charges of fraudulent scheme – false pretenses (over $750), grand theft – pickpocketing ($5,000 – $10,000) and fraudulent use of identification without consent (Vic. Public official). LaBennett faces charges of Fraudulent Scheme – False Pretenses (less than $20,000), Grand Theft – Pickpocketing ($5,000 – $10,000) and Falsely Impersonating a Police Officer.

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

“If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an employee of the Sheriff's Office, specifically claiming to be Sgt. Miley, I encourage you to contact us and file a report,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Residents should educate themselves about these programs as this is an old scam that continues to circulate. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office will never call you and ask you for money to avoid being (arrested). …If you are called by someone claiming to be a sheriff's deputy and are unsure of their identity, I encourage you to call our non-emergency number (386-313-4911) to verify their identity before follow his 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 emphasize that no police officer or sheriff's office employee will call you asking for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or any other form of payment to avoid arrest.