Brandon Man Accused of Stealing Funds for Ponzi Scheme

A Brandon man is accused of scamming a Lakeland woman out of $500,000.

According to a report in the Lakeland News Chief, investigators with the State Attorney's Office said James Jackson Jr. took $500,000 from 70-year-old Judith Grimes after promising to use the money for investments.

Jackson, 45, of 4208 Walden View Drive in Brandon, is charged with grand theft from a person over 65 years of age, a first-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. Bail is set at $500,000.