Monday, October 10, 2016

Swip-Swap Scammer Arrested

October 10, 2016

A woman was arrested by Levy County Deputies October 9, 2016 for impersonating a deceased person and attempting to sell a shed belonging to the deceased woman’s estate.

A shed was listed for sale on the “Gainesville Swip-Swap” Facebook page and Craigslist. Michelle McNeal (12-18-87) of Morriston, attempted to conceal her identity by assuming the identity of “Tara Davis” who had died in 2015. The victim reported meeting with and signing a sales agreement with “Tara Davis” aka: Michelle McNeal, for $300 at the home where the shed was. “Davis” told the victim she would have the shed delivered to her on the 8th. When the shed wasn’t delivered and “Davis” didn’t respond to calls or text messages, the victim reported what she believed was fraud to LCSO.

Deputy Ryan Sullivan was able to confirm through local records Ms. Tara Davis died in 2015. The address where the shed is located was confirmed to be the previous home of Tara Davis. He was also able to confirm the profile created to conceal the fraud was crafted by Michelle McNeal. Deputy Sullivan went to interview McNeal at her address listed in local records. She was not at home. However, he did locate her at the home of Ms. Davis as she was in the process of selling the shed again, to another unsuspecting victim. Deputy Sullivan tried to speak to McNeal who ran and hid in her attempt to avoid arrest. Deputy Sullivan located her quickly and took her into custody.

Michelle McNeal was transported to the Levy County Detention Facility and charged with grand theft, use of the personal identification of a deceased person and resisting arrest without violence. Her bond has been set at $40,000.00. 
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