LAKE CITY, Fla. — Five people have been arrested in a check fraud scheme that targeted a 65-year-old Lake City man who was recovering from a medical emergency, according to the Lake City Police Department. 

According to LCPD, the 65-year-old victim was staying at a Roadway Inn Motel when he had a medical emergency ended up in the hospital. 

While he was away, a man and woman pretending to be housekeeping hotel employees entered his room and stole his checkbook, police said. 

Over the course of two months, the suspects used the stolen checks to illegally deposit large sums of money into various accounts and made a series of cash withdrawals through ATMs in Lake City and surrounding areas, according to LCPD. 

The investigation identified Samuel Joseph Chavez as a suspect in the fraud. Using a Radiant Credit Union account, Chavez allegedly deposited 28 stolen checks totaling more than $21,000. Surveillance footage, ATM logs, and vehicle records linked him to repeated high-value withdrawals shortly after the deposits. Police say Chavez also worked closely with accomplices, often sharing vehicles during the criminal activity.

Danyell Smith Chavez, who owned the account used in many of the transactions, admitted to allowing Samuel access to her debit card and vehicle, police said. Financial documents show she also transferred over $5,000 to him via Facebook Meta Pay during the same period.

Another suspect, Krystal Morgan Koon, is accused of depositing seven of the stolen checks through her Radiant Credit Union account using mobile banking apps. LCPD says investigators traced the transactions to devices and IP addresses registered to her. She later made significant ATM withdrawals tied to those deposits.

Tyler Brandon Jeter was also charged in connection with the scheme. He allegedly used his mother’s bank account to cash a stolen check obtained under false pretenses. Surveillance video placed Jeter at several ATM transactions alongside both Chavez and Koon, according to LCPD.

Lake City Police Chief Gerald Butler praised the investigative work that led to the arrests. “This case is a prime example of how quickly the vulnerable can be targeted by those looking to exploit them,” hesaid. “Thanks to the tireless work of our detectives, these individuals have been brought to justice. The Lake City Police Department remains committed to protecting our elderly population and ensuring that those who commit financial crimes are held fully accountable.”

The investigation remains ongoing.