A Florida woman, Moniquie Love Turnbull, 31, of Miami, faces multiple fraud charges after allegedly scamming a senior citizen and subsequently being found with $3,200 in cash concealed within her body cavity. The incident occurred in Martin County, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious individual at a senior citizen's home. They allege Turnbull posed as a bank representative and informed the victim that their account had been compromised. Turnbull attempted to obtain the victim's debit or credit card under the pretense of safely disposing of it. The alleged victim grew suspicious and contacted law enforcement.
While investigating, deputies received information identifying Turnbull as a potential suspect in a similar case. Authorities located Turnbull driving near Interstate 95 and arrested her on fraud charges. The arrest was captured on MCSO bodycam video.
Turnbull is charged with scheme to defraud, felony use of a two-way communication device, and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card without consent involving a victim 60 or older. She faces an additional charge of introduction of contraband into a prison after the discovery at the jail.
Upon arrival at the correctional facility, authorities found $3,200 in cash lodged inside Turnbull's body. The MCSO stated that while the source of the funds is not yet clear, the money has been secured as evidence and will eventually be returned to circulation. Turnbull's bond was set at $500,000.
The MCSO issued a warning to the public, advising residents not to hand over cash, credit cards, gold, or other valuables to individuals who unexpectedly appear at their homes claiming to represent a bank, financial institution, or government agency. Authorities recommend that anyone encountering such a situation should not allow the person inside or provide any valuables, and instead should call 911 immediately.