Several suspects were arrested in an investigation into fraud by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department.
In September, police say La Porte County Jail Commander Captain Andrew Hahn, along with other members of the Jail Administration, noticed some unusual activity on some inmate’s accounts. Large sums of money were reportedly placed onto the inmates’ communication accounts from a source outside of the jail. The same inmates were bonding out of the jail almost immediately and leaving with the remaining balance on a jail-issued debit card, according to the report. That money was then reportedly withdrawn at ATMs shortly after their release.
Police say the investigation uncovered a complex fraudulent scheme involving certain employees from the Hardee’s fast food restaurant in Michigan City, along with several other suspects.
In August and September 2023, a few of the employees at that restaurant photographed credit-debit card numbers of customers that purchased food at the drive-thru window, according to police. Police say the numbers were then used to place money into the accounts of inmates with low bonds at the jail.
A total of $14,700 in fraudulent charges was discovered.
The victims are working to have those funds returned to them.
As a result, several arrests were recently made after warrants were issued. Darrien R. Ward, Prince Arnold, and Kristen Vanschoyck were arrested on charges of fraud and criminal organizational activity, while Madison Zuk, Anisa Higginbottom, Hollie Lachapelle, Carissa Bealor, Lawrence Armstrong, and Moesha Monique Savanna Payne were arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud and criminal organizational activity.
Officers are attempting to find Dylnn Scott. If anyone knows of Scott’s whereabouts, call Michiana Crimestoppers at 1-800-342-7867.
Suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
