Elderly In 9 States Ripped Off By Claim To Fix Computer Virus

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa man is facing organized fraud charges in connection with a scheme to rip off elderly people in nine states by offering to remove viruses from their computers.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Dontavius Oakley, 35, and Carlton Thomas, 50, Thursday after receiving an anonymous tip about a fraud being being committed against an elderly New Jersey resident.

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, the elderly resident sent cash via FedEx to Oakley at an address in Tampa as payment for Oakley to remove a computer virus.

When the sender realized it was a scam, the resident contacted authorities in New Jersey. Hillsborough County detectives were able to intercept the resident's package containing cash at the FedEx distribution center in Tampa.

In the process, detectives discovered a number of other packages addressed to Oakley containing money sent by residents of Hillsborough County, California, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oregon and Texas.

Undercover detectives later dropped several of the packages off at the address Oakley provided victims at the Rodeway Inn Motel, 6510 U.S. 301 in Tampa. After leaving the packages in the lobby, detectives set up surveillance and saw Oakley returning to a room at the motel in the company of Thomas.

When the two men left the motel, deputies pulled them over and arrested them.

Oakley faces charges of organized fraud, second-degree grand theft and violation of probation on a charge of fleeing to elude. Oakley was already on probation until April 2022.

Thomas was wanted on an out-of-state warrant from New Jersey. He was also driving with a counterfeit driver's license.

During the operation, detectives identified at least nine victims defrauded out of $81,000, with more victims yet to be identified. Packages containing cash were sent to at least two Rodeway Inn Motel locations: the U.S. 301 location and the Rodeway Inn at 2307 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa.

"These suspects were taking advantage of one of our most vulnerable populations," said Chronister. "I want to remind everyone to remain vigilant when it comes to scams. Nobody will ask you to send large sums of cash in the mail."

Anyone who has been contacted by Dontavius Oakley, who also goes by the name Don Pazious, or Carlton Thomas to resolve a computer virus or other matter should contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation into a fraud scheme that has affected at least nine victims throughout the country. They were defrauded out of $81,000, with the potential of more victims to come.


Packages that contained cash were sent to at least two local Rodeway Inn Motel locations:

• 6510 Highway 301
• 2307 E Busch Boulevard

If anyone has been contacted by Dontavius Oakley, also known as Don Pazious, or Carlton Thomas in order to resolve a computer virus or other fraud, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.