Two individuals find themselves in custody following an investigation into a fraud scheme involving counterfeit USPS money orders in Madison County, Alabama. The local sheriff’s department unraveled the fraudulent activity after receiving a complaint from Redstone Federal Credit Union on April 23.
The complaint centered around a member, identified as Tylasia Scott, who had reportedly turned in seven USPS money orders across several branches throughout Madison County. The transactions led to Scott unlawfully obtaining nearly $7,000. Subsequent verification revealed these money orders were fraudulent.
As the investigation unfolded, Tylasia Scott was apprehended and now faces seven charges of possessing a forged instrument in the second degree. The situation captured the attention of a USPIS Special Agent from Birmingham, who joined forces with local investigators to delve deeper into the case, with an eye on identifying any additional conspirators involved in the scheme.
Following the investigation, Tylasia Scott was arrested and charged with seven counts of Possession of a forged instrument, second degree.
Due to the rapidly developing nature of the case and the potential for additional suspects, a USPIS Special Agent based in Birmingham coordinated with investigators and assisted in the ongoing investigation.
MCSO said that their agency was granted a search warrant to search a residence located in the 100 block of Baxter Avenue in Huntsville. While searching the home, detectives located additional fraudulent USPS money orders, identity documents, credit and debit cards, narcotics, firearms, and USPS property.
According to MCSO, a man identified as Kenneth Belt was at the home during the time of the search warrant. He was arrested and charged with eight counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, Second Degree.
Both were transported and booked into the Madison County Jail.
“Financial crimes like these not only target businesses and financial institutions, but they also undermine trust within our communities. I’m proud of the work our Criminal Investigation Division has done alongside the United States Postal Inspection Service to quickly identify those responsible and remove additional illegal activity from our streets. This investigation is far from over, and we fully expect additional arrests and charges as detectives continue following the evidence.”
Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turne
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, in partnership with the United States Postal Inspection Service, is actively investigating the incident.