Publix® Employees Convicted in Credit Theft Case
A Florida woman was convicted for identity theft and scheming to defraud the Publix Super Markets® employee credit union. Leading up to the 2009 conviction, Lotonyo Lyons, 27, was arrested in July 2007 after investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement uncovered her role in a scheme that defrauded the Publix Employees Federal Credit Union out of a staggering $140,000.
How She Did It
Along with her accomplices, Lyons deposited fake checks into multiple accounts and even created a fraudulent account using the identity of an unsuspecting victim. Using debit cards, the alleged crime ring made hundreds of unauthorized purchases. In addition to Lyons, the group included six other people — three of whom were also Publix employees.
The Alleged Instigator
Police said Lyons was the ringleader of the operation, and that she started depositing fake checks into accounts at the Publix Federal Credit Union. Because the credit union allowed employees immediate access to their deposited funds, the suspects used debit cards to withdraw cash and make purchases.
Pricey Spending Spree
Over an eight-month investigation, police discovered that the stolen funds were used to buy expensive items, including plasma TVs, jewelry, and even a car.
Lyons has a history of fraud convictions, but this time, she faced serious charges. She was found guilty of a scheme of defrauding involving less than $20,000 and for fraudulently using someone's personal identification for amounts over $5,000. Lyons' co-defendants pleaded guilty.
This case sheds light on the sad truth that sometimes employees look for ways to take advantage of an employer.
References: Publix Employees Arrested in Credit Theft Scheme | Lee County Woman Found Guilty of ID Theft, Fraud Scheme
