Eight people have been arrested in connection with an alleged check theft scheme that diverted church donations into personal bank accounts, leaving confirmed losses of more than $260,000 across Manatee County, Florida, and other areas.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office announced the arrests on November 6 following an investigation into stolen checks intended for congregations. Authorities say the suspects intercepted mailed donations and deposited the checks into their own accounts, frequently through mobile banking.
The investigation began in December 2025 after Harvest United Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch noticed an unusual decline in incoming mail. Church members also began asking whether their contributions had arrived.
Investigators eventually uncovered fraudulent activity affecting at least 17 churches in Manatee County. Detective Rachael Fossaceca told WWSB that the suspects were neither church employees nor members of the congregations they allegedly targeted. As detectives followed the transactions, the number of affected churches and donors continued to grow.
Authorities have confirmed 66 victims and more than $72,000 in losses within Manatee County. Outside the county, investigators identified nearly $194,000 in additional losses.
Those arrested were identified 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.
Charges in the investigation include organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, uttering a forged instrument and criminal use of personal identification. Detectives also have active arrest warrants for seven additional suspects. Authorities say some are believed to be in the Miami area, while at least one has been confirmed to be in Cuba.
The investigation remains active, with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and sheriff's offices in Hillsborough and Pasco counties assisting. Officials are continuing to identify additional victims and people allegedly involved.
