Des Moines police announced that a local woman will be extradited to Waukesha County, Wisconsin, after a federal investigation tied her to a multi‑state fraud operation that swindled a Delafield, Wis., resident out of $15,000.
How the scam unfolded
The victim reported that a caller claiming to be a Waukesha County sheriff’s deputy warned him of an arrest for missed jury duty. Believing the threat was real, he transferred the money to two cryptocurrency ATMs located in Pick ’n Save stores, thinking he was paying a law‑enforcement officer.
Investigators later discovered the voice on the call was Derrick Posey, who is currently in federal custody in South Carolina. A confiscated prison phone provided call‑record evidence that linked Posey to the victim.
Broader scheme uncovered
Officer Kimberly Kuehl, who led the investigation, said the case opened a nationwide probe that uncovered lists containing at least 315 potential victims. While only a handful have been contacted, many confirmed they were targeted by identity‑theft or financial crimes.
Kuehl estimates the total loss from the operation approaches $500,000.
Charges and arrests
Posey faces charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering, theft‑false representation, and impersonating a peace officer. Four additional suspects have been charged in Waukesha County:
- Kimberly Jones, arrested in Mississippi, charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.
- Virginia Rios, arrested in Des Moines, charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit theft‑false representation.
- Katrinia Wyche of Delray Beach, Fla., and Allissa Walls of Hiram, Ga., each face a single count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and have active warrants.
All five defendants will be extradited back to Wisconsin to face prosecution.
Public warning
Waukesha County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert stating it will never call to request personal or financial information, credit‑card details, gift‑card purchases, or payment through a kiosk to avoid arrest for missed jury service.
Residents are urged to verify any such requests directly with law‑enforcement agencies.
What victims can do
Anyone who has transferred money to a cryptocurrency ATM after receiving a similar call should contact the Iowa Attorney General’s Office at 1‑888‑777‑4590 or [email protected]. Complaints about cryptocurrency ATM operators can also be filed with the Consumer Protection Division.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
