New Economic Crime Unit To Investigate Fraud, White-Collar Crimes In Sarasota County: SCSO

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — A new Economic Crimes Unit was launched by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in January to respond to the growing number of economic crimes in the county. 4

The agency decided to create the new unit after last year’s CARES Act investigation, Kaitlyn Perez, community affairs director, said.

The investigation uncovered more than $4 million in attempted fraudulent activity in Sarasota County through a company called SRQ Financial Solutions LLC, Sheriff Kurt Hoffman announced during a news conference in April.

More than $319,000 in fraudulent funds were actually released as a result of CARES Act applications submitted by the business. Eight people were arrested following the investigation, facing various charges.

In 2021, the sheriff’s office received and investigated 1,057 reports of economic crimes, Perez said.

The new unit is comprised of a sergeant and three detectives experienced in investigating fraud, Capt. Joe Giasone said in a recent episode of the agency’s “10-8 TV” series.

In addition to investigating fraud and other economic crimes, the unit will also educate the public on how to identify fraud and what to do if they’re victims.

“My hope is to get (the detectives) out there to let people know that they’re here, to let people know that this is a problem and let them know that there’s a resource here for them to not only help them if they’re a victim, but also prevent themselves from becoming a victim,” Giasone said.

Residents who receive suspicious calls or emails or who have questions about the unit’s work, can email fraud@sarasotasheriff.org. Those who are victims of an economic crime should call the sheriff’s office at 941-263-6773.