State of Florida v. Briana McCarthy, Brianna Hannan, Carlotta Hawkins, Kearla Walerk Whitney Branch, and Kavon Reese

Tallahassee, Florida, criminal defense lawyers represent the Defendants chargd with fraud.

Six individuals charged with defrauding the Florida. The individuals were accused of orchestrating a scheme to process property damage claims through the Florida Division of Risk Management, allegedly defrauding the state of $1.7 million. The Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) arrested these individuals, and all state agencies are fully cooperating with the investigation. Additional arrests in this case are expected to be made in the coming weeks, and CID encourages any individuals involved to voluntarily come forward.

Briana McCarthy, a former employee of the Department of Financial Services, led the operation and processed over 220 suspicious property damage claims, resulting in $1.7 million in fraudulent payouts. She is charged with Grand Theft, Aggravated White-Collar Crime, Money laundering, Scheme to Defraud, Criminal use of Personal Identification Information, Communications Fraud, Official Misconduct, and Forgery.

Brianna Hannan, a former employee of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been charged with Grand Theft.

Carlotta Hawkins, a former employee of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been charged with Grand Theft and Cash Deposit Bank Item with Intent to Defraud.

Kearia Walker has been charged with Grand Theft.

Whitney Branch has been charged with Grand Theft and Cash Deposit Bank Item with Intent to Defraud.

Kavon Reese has been charged with Grand Theft.

Criminal charges are not proof of guilt.