LaPorte County authorities have arrested 10 in connection with a scheme to bond inmates out of jail.
The arrests follow a July 11th incident where a supervisor in the department’s jail division noticed some unusual activity. Officers began an investigation into the matter where it was subsequently discovered that inmates at the jail were using a contact to use stolen credit cards to break out of jail.
The victims of the stolen credit cards were from California, Missouri, Michigan, and Illinois. The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department stopped processing credit cards for bond payments.
Arrest warrants were obtained which was executed in the 200 block of Vail Street in Michigan City on July 19th. Evidence linked to the bond fraud case was allegedly located, but officers also seized a firearm inside the home.
Because the activity crossed state lines, the Secret Service has been brought in to investigate. They are reviewing the facts of the case for possible federal charges. New procedures have since been put in place to prevent future fraud issues.
All of those arrested in connection with the case are facing felony Fraud charges. Their bond has been revoked by the courts.
Gregory Brown, 35, Chicago, Illinois
Shakyia Brown, 29, Chicago, Illinois
Jeneva Sutton, 35, Michigan City, Indiana
Toni Dominguez, 34, Highland, Indiana
Edward Jiminez, 34, Michigan City, Indiana
Rischa Bonds, 36, Michigan City, Indiana
Williams Jackson, 35, Michigan City, Indiana
Raynell Henry 22, Gary, Indiana
Robert Lambert, 28, Michigan City, Indiana
Daniel Gumns, 27, Michigan City, Indiana