Columbus police make arrest in Sports & Imports fraud investigation
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Columbus police have confirmed an arrest has been made in an ongoing fraud investigation at Sports and Imports.
The investigation began in Spring 2023, when the Columbus Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit received reports from multiple individuals alleging fraudulent activities involving local businesses, Sports & Imports. “What initiated with a handful of victims has escalated to 21 reported cases of fraud,” police said.
Investigators began collecting documentation from the victims and banking institutions.
In October 2023, the Property Crimes Unit conducted a search warrant of the business in the 1000 block of Veterans Parkway.
Substantial evidence, including financial records and witness statements, revealed a total monetary loss of $819,052.77 at the time. The amount doesn’t include the number of vehicles that have been mistitled with multiple loans on them. As a result, warrants were obtained for Sama Moore, 59.
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, Moore was taken into custody with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. She is charged with five counts of Identity Fraud, nine counts of Theft by Conversion (Felony), eight counts of Theft by Taking, four counts of Theft by Deception (Felony), four counts of Deposit Account Fraud (Felony), and eight counts of Forgery 1st Degree.
Moore is currently in the Lee County, Alabama jail awaiting extradition. A preliminary hearing is pending extradition.
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