Eight people have been arrested in connection with an alleged check-theft scheme targeting churches across Manatee County, the sheriff’s office announced Nov. 6.

Investigators identified approximately $266,000 in confirmed losses, including more than $72,000 in Manatee County and nearly $194,000 involving victims outside the county.

The investigation began in December 2025 after a pastor at Harvest United Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch reported a decline in incoming mail, according to Your Observer. Parishioners questioning whether donations had arrived discovered that checks had been deposited into other people’s accounts.

Detectives identified more than 20 suspects and activity involving at least 17 Manatee County churches between September 2025 and May 2026. Investigators said stolen checks were frequently deposited through mobile banking, helping the alleged fraud escape detection.

Confirmed losses total approximately $266,000

Detectives identified 66 Manatee County victims and 107 stolen checks representing more than $72,000 in confirmed losses. Another seven potential local victims and seven checks, worth approximately $1,800, remain unconfirmed, WWSB reported.

Outside the county, investigators identified 268 stolen checks and nearly $194,000 in confirmed losses.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Hillsborough and Pasco county sheriff’s offices.

Eight arrested, seven more sought

Authorities identified those arrested as:

  • Yucmercy Espinosa Obregon
  • Luis Miguel Sanchez Santos
  • Lisaida Castro Gonzalez
  • Ismery Ferrer Alonso
  • Luis Enrique Valdes Camejo
  • Dayanis Leon Hernandez
  • Duvier Hernandez Canizarez
  • Isidro Gonzalez Gomez

Charges include organized scheme to defraud, grand theft, uttering a forged instrument and criminal use of personal identification, according to ABC Action News.

Detectives hold active arrest warrants for seven additional people. Authorities said some suspects are believed to be near Miami and at least one has been confirmed to be in Cuba.

Harvest church responded earlier

In a July report published by SNN, Harvest finance director Bill Schrimpf said at least six members had reported approximately $10,000 in stolen checks mailed between October and December 2025.

Schrimpf said the church installed a mailbox lock and encouraged members to deliver large donations in person.

The investigation remains open. Anyone who believes they were targeted can contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.