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FBI Arrests Fraud Suspect in Jamaica Over $32M COVID-19 Relief Scheme

FBI Arrests Fraud Suspect in Jamaica Over $32M COVID-19 Relief Scheme

Elaine Angene Escoe, a suspect on the FBI's 'Most Wanted' list, has been apprehended in Jamaica and returned to the United States. She is accused of orchestrating a $32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Escoe allegedly used a fake identity, 'Harley Newman,' to evade capture after failing to appear in federal court in 2025. She faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The FBI, in collaboration with Jamaican authorities, captured Escoe following a tip-off. This arrest marks the fourth 'Most Wanted Fraudster' captured in recent weeks, as part of the FBI's intensified efforts to crack down on international fraud.
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South Florida Woman on FBI Most Wanted List Captured in Jamaica

South Florida Woman on FBI Most Wanted List Captured in Jamaica

Elaine Escoe, a South Florida woman on the FBI's most wanted list, has been captured in Jamaica. Escoe was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, accused of participating in a scheme that fraudulently obtained over $32 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. After a warrant was issued for her arrest, Escoe fled to Jamaica, where she was eventually apprehended. The FBI's Miami office is leading the investigation into her case.
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Escambia County Sheriff's Office Arrests Three in Alleged Burglary Attempt at Vacant Home

Escambia County Sheriff's Office Arrests Three in Alleged Burglary Attempt at Vacant Home

In Escambia County, Florida, deputies arrested three individuals following a reported trespassing incident at a vacant home on Twin Lakes Drive. The Escambia County Sheriff's Office responded to the call and discovered the suspects attempting to burglarize the property. The individuals arrested include 62-year-old Michael McCarthy, who faces charges of burglary, loitering and prowling, and impersonation for possessing another person's ID. Additionally, 35-year-old Amber Creighton was charged with burglary and possession of drug equipment, while 38-year-old Damen Bechtel was charged with burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The authorities have not released further details about the incident.
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Miami Woman Arrested in Jamaica for $32 Million COVID Relief Fraud Scheme

Miami Woman Arrested in Jamaica for $32 Million COVID Relief Fraud Scheme

Elaine Angene Escoe, a South Florida woman, has been arrested in Jamaica for her alleged involvement in a $32 million COVID relief fraud scheme. She was on the FBI's 'Most Wanted Fraudsters' list and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Escoe and her associates allegedly submitted over 90 fraudulent applications for various COVID relief funds, resulting in the wrongful disbursement of millions of dollars. After being captured by Jamaican authorities, Escoe was returned to South Florida to face federal charges.
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FBI Captures 'Most Wanted' Fraud Suspect in Jamaica Over $32M COVID-19 Relief Scheme

FBI Captures 'Most Wanted' Fraud Suspect in Jamaica Over $32M COVID-19 Relief Scheme

Elaine Angene Escoe, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, has been apprehended in Jamaica and returned to the United States. She was living under the alias 'Harley Newman' to evade charges related to a $32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Escoe was indicted in 2025 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and multiple counts of money laundering. After failing to appear in federal court, she fled the country, prompting a federal manhunt. Her arrest marks a significant milestone in the FBI's international fraud crackdown, as she is the fourth 'Most Wanted Fraudster' captured in the past five weeks. The FBI, along with Homeland Security Investigations, the US Marshals Service, Jamaican law enforcement, and the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office, coordinated her return to the US.
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Palm Beach County Initiative Aims to Provide 36,000 Backpacks to Needy Students

Palm Beach County Initiative Aims to Provide 36,000 Backpacks to Needy Students

In Lake Worth Beach, Florida, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County is spearheading an initiative to fill 36,000 backpacks with school supplies for students in need. Led by James Gavrilos, the foundation's president and CEO, the initiative involves a large team of volunteers working to ensure that students from 55 Title I elementary and middle schools receive the necessary tools for the upcoming school year. The effort is part of the foundation's annual Backpack Initiative, which aims to provide hope, confidence, and equity to students living below the poverty level.
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Illegal Immigrant Charged in Death of Florida Grandmother

Illegal Immigrant Charged in Death of Florida Grandmother

Carlos Suarez-Contreras, a Venezuelan man allegedly in the U.S. illegally, has been charged in the death of Deborah Murphy, an 82-year-old grandmother, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Murphy was struck and killed by an SUV driven by Suarez-Contreras in a Publix parking lot. Suarez-Contreras is being held without bond due to his immigration status and potential flight risk. The incident has raised concerns about illegal immigration and public safety, with Suarez-Contreras scheduled for arraignment on August 17.
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Ascension St. Vincent’s Hosts Back-to-School Giveaway in Jacksonville

Ascension St. Vincent’s Hosts Back-to-School Giveaway in Jacksonville

Ascension St. Vincent’s Arlington Emergency Care organized its annual back-to-school community event in Jacksonville, Florida, providing essential supplies to local children. The event, which took place on a Saturday morning, distributed backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, helmets, and offered various activities for children. This initiative is one of the hospital group's largest community outreach efforts, assisting approximately 150 to 200 children. Missy Grubb, the emergency freestanding manager at Ascension St. Vincent’s Arlington, emphasized the hospital's commitment to supporting families beyond medical needs, highlighting the importance of addressing financial challenges and ensuring children are prepared for the school year. Parents expressed gratitude for the event, noting the significant financial relief it provided as they prepared for the upcoming school year.
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77-Year-Old Man Protests Against Flock Cameras in St. Petersburg

77-Year-Old Man Protests Against Flock Cameras in St. Petersburg

Carl Gunn, a 77-year-old Republican, is staging a solo protest against the use of Flock cameras in St. Petersburg, Florida. These cameras, operated by a private company, automatically record license plates and generate profiles of passing vehicles. Gunn, concerned about privacy and surveillance, has been protesting by sitting in front of a camera with a sign reading 'DOWN WITH FLOCK CAMERAS.' His actions have garnered public support, with passersby offering drinks and snacks. The cameras, in use since 2022, are intended to aid law enforcement but have raised civil liberties concerns.
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Florida Family's Dine-and-Dash Incident Sparks Viral Outrage and Racial Debate

Florida Family's Dine-and-Dash Incident Sparks Viral Outrage and Racial Debate

A family of seven in Orlando, Florida, was caught on camera executing a dine-and-dash at a local restaurant, leaving behind a $300 bill. The incident, which occurred at The Diner, involved the family members leaving in small groups to avoid suspicion, with one person staying behind until the end before also leaving without paying. The security footage of the event went viral, drawing widespread attention and sparking a debate on social media. While many condemned the family's actions, the incident also led to discussions about racial stereotypes, as some commenters made racially charged remarks about the family's behavior.
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Florida GOP Seeks Court Order to Remove Libertarian Candidate from Congressional Race

Florida GOP Seeks Court Order to Remove Libertarian Candidate from Congressional Race

In South Florida's 25th Congressional District, three Republican candidates and the state Republican Party have filed a lawsuit to remove Libertarian candidate Peter Jassenoff from the November ballot. The district, newly created and spanning Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, is considered pivotal in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republicans argue that Jassenoff's presence could siphon votes from their nominee, potentially handing victory to the Democrat. The lawsuit claims Jassenoff used a personal check instead of a campaign check to pay the qualifying fee, which they argue disqualifies him under state law. Jassenoff, who switched from Republican to Libertarian, plans to contest the lawsuit, asserting his compliance with campaign finance rules.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Former Dansville woman missing since 1985 identified after remains found in Florida canal

Former Dansville woman missing since 1985 identified after remains found in Florida canal

DNA testing identified Rose Marie Gayhart, a former Dansville resident who went missing in 1985, found in Florida.