MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida woman accused of posing as a bank representative to scam a senior citizen is facing even more trouble after authorities say she allegedly walked into jail carrying thousands of dollars concealed inside her body.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, 31-year-old Moniquie Love Turnbull of Miami was arrested on August 17 after investigators connected her to an alleged scheme targeting an elderly Martin County resident.
Authorities say Turnbull allegedly showed up at the victim’s home claiming to be affiliated with the victim’s bank.
She reportedly told the resident that their bank account had been compromised and asked for the person’s credit or debit card, claiming she would dispose of it.
The victim became suspicious and contacted law enforcement, according to investigators.
Deputies later located Turnbull and pulled her over on Interstate 95. She was taken into custody while authorities continued investigating the alleged fraud scheme.
But what investigators say happened during the jail intake process added another unusual twist to the case.
According to authorities, jail officials discovered $3,200 in cash concealed inside Turnbull’s body after she arrived at the detention facility. The discovery resulted in an additional charge related to allegedly introducing contraband into a detention facility.
Authorities have not said that the $3,200 was definitively obtained from the alleged victim. The money was reportedly secured as evidence while investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding it.
Turnbull is facing several charges connected to the alleged scam, including scheme to defraud and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card involving a person over 60, according to reports.
She also faces a felony charge involving the use of a communication device during the alleged crime, along with the new contraband-related charge.
Her bond has reportedly been set at $500,000, and she remains in the Martin County Jail.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has used the case as another warning about criminals who impersonate representatives of banks and other trusted institutions. Authorities urge residents to independently verify anyone who claims to be calling or visiting on behalf of a financial institution before handing over cards, money, account information or other valuables.
The investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, Turnbull is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Leave a Reply