UPDATE, APRIL 3, 2024:
Coretta Bates, 31, the prime suspect in a bank fraud scheme, has been arrested. Bates was located and apprehended in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thank you to all of the local media partners and their affiliates for sharing this information.
UPDATE, APRIL 1, 2024:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has identified a woman orchestrating a bank fraud scheme.
In October 2023, HCSO began a bank fraud investigation with the assistance of Suncoast Credit Union. An unknown individual was committing bank fraud by opening various accounts with fraudulent North Carolina IDs. Once the accounts were open, the suspect was able to defraud the bank by committing more than $165,000 in fraud. Victims were identified all over the southeastern United States.
The Public Affairs Office initially sent out a news release. After the investigation was featured on the local news, HCSO immediately received tips on the suspect’s identity.
HCSO Economic Crimes detectives continued to work on this investigation with the United States Secret Service Tampa Field Office and the US Attorney’s Office. After an extensive investigation, Coretta Bates, 31, was identified as the suspect. She has active federal warrants for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
"This investigation exemplifies the critical importance of collaboration and community vigilance in combating crimes,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “We are committed to relentlessly pursuing justice and holding accountable those who seek to defraud innocent individuals and institutions."
If you know the whereabouts of Bates, please get in touch with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200. We are asking local media partners to please share this with your affiliates in Atlanta, Georgia, as Bates has connections to that area.
ORIGINAL RELEASE, 10/5/2023: The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in tracking down multiple suspects involved in a bank fraud case.
HCSO detectives are looking for several individuals who have used multiple counterfeit North Carolina driver's licenses to open numerous bank accounts in the Tampa Bay area, all featuring one person's picture, in order to facilitate the fraud. The total amount stolen eclipses $270,000.
“Your assistance could be the vital clue that helps us apprehend these suspects," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our dedicated detectives are committed to following every lead to bring these individuals to justice."
If anyone recognizes any of the pictured individuals or the vehicle (White Dodge Durango), please notify the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200, Economic Crimes Section, or contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-8477.