Cuyahoga County scam indictments include nine Lorain County residents

A total of 16 people — including nine Lorain County residents — were indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury for allegedly running a $2.6 million money order scam at various Walmarts. The indictment states that the individuals, from Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, engaged in a six-year operation to purchase money orders, in values ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, and deposit them. Then they would quickly withdraw the money from bank accounts, while returning the money orders for refunds. The indictment states that ATM withdrawals, wire transfers and third-party payment applications like CashApp and Zelle were used. All 16 individuals were indicted for engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity and conspiracy, each second-degree felonies, and aggravated theft for $1.5 million or more and telecommunications fraud, each first-degree felonies. Lorain County residents who were indicted include: Tyrrell Allgood, 36, of Lorain Keith Nash, 35, of Lorain Dorian Thomas, 36, of Lorain Wade Yarber, 32, of Oberlin Kyron McLemore Jr., 26, of Elyria Dashaun Horton, 30, of Oberlin Noland Isom, 30, of Oberlin Jehaun White, 32, of Oberlin Luis Nieves, 31, of Elyria Others who were indicted were Tony Blakey, 37, of Cleveland; Leontae Jones, 34, of Beachwood; Keiyanna Nettles, 25, of Euclid; Ashley Tyler, 35, of Twinsburg; Ricky Johnson, 31, of Cleveland; Joshua Coleman, 32, of Clevleand Heights; and Kaesean Yancy, 35, of Las Vegas.They will be arraigned at Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date, the news release said. Other charges included receiving stolen property, money laundering, grand theft, aggravated theft and money laundering. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service Money Laundering Task Force. In addition to the Secret Service, arresting agencies included the Lorain and Cuyahoga County sheriff's offices, U.S. postal inspectors and police in Westlake, Amherst and Richfield. "This investigation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to working with local partners to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes, bring offenders to justice, and stand up for the victims — businesses and communities alike — who bear the cost of these crimes. Protecting victims and preserving the stability of our economy remain at the heart of our mission," U. S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Blaine Forschen said in a news release.