Attorney General James Uthmeier Charges Member of Check-Fraud Ring

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging one individual with felony counts related to an organized scheme to defraud more than $500,000. According to a law enforcement investigation, Ottisha Torres agreed to alter Florida retirement checks to be deposited into co-conspirators’ accounts.

“It is our duty to take swift and decisive action to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This fraudster stole hundreds of thousands of dollars using fake and altered retirement checks, and now our Statewide Prosecutors will pursue justice in court.”

According to the investigation, Torres worked with a check fraud ring that provided legitimate, stolen retirement checks. Upon receiving the checks, Torres agreed to alter or duplicate the information onto a new fraudulent check. Torres and other conspirators resided in Leon County, meanwhile the victims lived in Miami-Dade County.

Torres is charged with one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, two counts of possession of personal identification information with intent to defraud, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and one count of conspiracy to commit grand theft greater than $100,000. All of the charges are either first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree felonies.

Attorney General Uthmeier’s OSP will handle this case.

# # #