Yesterday, a Safety Harbor man was arrested on various charges stemming from his involvement in a counterfeit money order scam. Raul Francisco Zelaya, 50, was arrested for Scheming to Defraud a financial institution, Communications Fraud and Possession of Counterfeit Checks. For the complete story, check out today's Tampa Bay Online article.
On Tuesday, when investigators finally arrested Zelaya, he had an additional 243 counterfeit money orders valued at over $230,000. Zelaya is believed to have obtained these checks from a known online check-cashing scam. These type of scams typically appear online as "work from home" job opportunities and can be posted on websites or appear in spam e-mail.
This is not the first time that this Zelaya character has been involved in this type of activity. According to the Clearwater Police Department, Zelaya previously took part in a similar scam that was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
If you or someone you know is being investigated for, or has been arrested on, any type of Theft case, the SLAVIN LAW FIRM of Clearwater is on your side.
Former prosecutor Aaron J. Slavin, Esq. has handled all types of theft cases including, but not limited to the following: Scheme to Defraud, Welfare Fraud, Unemployment Fraud, Worker's Compensation Fraud, Uttering a Forged Instrument, Obtaining Property in Return for a Worthless Check and various other counterfeiting and/or check-cashing cases. These cases are almost always "paper cases" with boxes and boxes full of documents, checks, receipts and exhibits. Your success on these types of cases can often come down to the organization and preparation skills of your criminal defense attorney.
The SLAVIN LAW FIRM, in Clearwater, has a business plan that is uniquely situated to allow for an aggressive defense in these type of Theft-related cases. For a Free and Private consultation on your Theft-related case, please contact criminal attorney Aaron J. Slavin, Esq. at 727.474.3785 or 1.877.HIRE.SLF.
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