State Attorney’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit

SCAM ALERT!!!

Fraudsters are impersonating attorneys in immigration scheme The ABA is warning attorneys about a sophisticated immigration fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate licensed lawyers, legal aid organizations, and the ABA to target individuals seeking immigration assistance. According to an ABA alert, fraudsters have used real attorneys' names and bar numbers...

SCAM ALERT!!!

Scam of the Week

The Cost of a "Free" Prize

Imagine receiving an unexpected email from a well-known organization, such as Costco or Marriott, letting you know that you've been selected for an exclusive opportunity. All you have to do is respond to a quick survey about your recent experience with them, and you'll be awarded a brand-new iPhone. If you haven't visited these organizations recently, you probably suspect that something isn't quite right. But if you have, you might be very tempted to open the survey. If you do, you'll see a countdown timer that pressures you to answer all the questions quickly.

But the email you received is actually a phishing scam! Cybercriminals frequently impersonate well-known brands to build your trust and trick you into acting impulsively. The survey, the prize, and the countdown timer are all part of the scam. If you complete the survey, you'll be prompted to enter your credit card number and personal information to pay a small delivery fee for the new iPhone. But remember, this survey is fake, and cybercriminals will steal any information that you enter!

Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this phishing scam:

It’s unlikely that a legitimate organization will ask you to pay a fee with your credit card to receive a free prize. Being asked to pay for something that's supposed to be free is a red flag.
Use caution if you receive an unexpected message that claims you've won a prize, especially if it pressures you to act quickly. Cybercriminals often use a sense of urgency to trick you into making fast decisions.
If you receive a suspicious email, don't select any links in it. Instead, check the organization's official website or contact them directly to verify if the survey is legitimate.

DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DUI MANSLAUGHTER OF UBER PASSENGER AND INJURING THREE OTHERS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today, following a jury trial, Mark Barcia was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for DUI Manslaughter, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of DUI with Personal Injury for a fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of Toledo Blade and Woodhaven, in Northport, when the Defendant slammed his Ford F250 truck into the back of an Uber on New Year’s Eve 2019. David Flick, 61, of Port Charlotte, died at the scene. Flick was a passenger riding in the Uber at the time of the crash. The other occupants of the Uber were also injured in the crash.

The Defense and State stipulated that both occupants of the Ford F250 were under the influence of alcohol to the extent their normal faculties were impaired and their respective blood alcohol levels exceeded the legal limit of .08. The defense centered their arguments on whether Barcia was the driver, and whether his operation of the Ford F250 caused or contributed to the death of David Flick and/or to the injuries of the surviving victims.

At trial, the State presented the testimony of two dozen witnesses, including Barcia’s passenger, civilians who stopped to render aid and saw Barcia exit from the driver side of the truck, law enforcement officers who responded to the crash and investigated the case, a crime scene analyst who took hundreds of photographs and collected physical evidence, expert witnesses who interpreted roadway markings and measurements, DNA evidence collected from the truck interior, and event data recorder data from both vehicles. The State also presented testimony regarding airbag deployment and deflation as well as passenger kinematics, which is the study of how vehicle occupants move during sudden stops, turns, or collisions.

After an eight-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury convicted the defendant on all four counts.

David Flick’s family, including his children and grandchildren, asserted that the loss they continue to suffer is the preventable consequence of Barcia’s decision to drink and drive, and they requested a maximum sentence.

For causing the death of David Flick, Barcia was sentenced to the statutory maximum of fifteen years in prison. After that, he will begin serving an additional three years of prison, followed by three years of probation, for the injuries he caused to the other victims.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorneys William Greiner and Brain Chambers in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.

SCAM ALERT!!!

⛪ FUNERAL HOME SCAM ALERT 🚨 This egregious scam is being reported again in our area.

Scammers gather information about a deceased loved one from obituaries. They pretend to be from the funeral home selected by grieving family members and tell victims they must pay more money immediately, or the funeral will be canceled. They use a technique called "spoofing" to alter the caller ID, making calls appear to come from the funeral home.

If you receive one of these calls:
- HANG UP. Immediately contact the funeral home directly using a verified phone number - not the one provided in the scammer’s call, text, or email.
- DO NOT provide ANY form of payment.
- Contact BPD and report the crime: 941-932-9300.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.

With that said, we have scammers who are continuing to impersonate banks and customer support representatives to trick people into giving up personal and financial information. Sometimes they’ll even pretend to be law enforcement!

These calls, texts, and emails may look legitimate and can even appear to come from your actual bank’s phone number.

This is where they get most people: They often claim there is suspicious activity on your account and pressure you to provide passwords, account numbers, PINs, or verification codes.

Remember:
• Your bank will never ask for your full password or PIN over the phone.
• Do not click suspicious links sent by text or email.
• Never give out verification codes to someone who contacted you.
• If you are unsure, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card.

When in doubt, slow down and verify before providing any information.

On Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten.

Our office will be closed today and will reopen and resume regular business hours tomorrow, May 26th.

SCAM ALERT!!!

🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨

Scammers are using phone calls, texts, emails, and social media to trick people. A common tactic with phone calls is “spoofing”, where a scammer makes it look like a real law enforcement, court, or government number is calling. The number may appear legitimate, but it is being faked.

If you’re unsure, hang up and call the official number directly to verify.

They may claim:
• A warrant or missed jury duty
• Court “clerk fees” or fines due immediately
• A family member in trouble
• A compromised bank or Social Security account

⚠️ Red flags:
• Pressure to act immediately or stay silent
• Threats of arrest or legal action
• Requests for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
• Caller ID that appears official

Real agencies DO NOT demand payment or gift cards over the phone.

Hang up, verify using a trusted number, and do not send money.

If you’re unsure, you can call us and speak with a deputy: 863-993-4700.

Yesterday, Chief Assistant State Attorney Craig Schaeffer attended a Sarasota County Commission meeting at the Venice Commission Chambers for a proclamation recognizing May as Opioid and Stimulant Awareness and Recovery Month. Commissioner Teresa Mast presented the proclamation, officially designating the month of May in Sarasota County as Opioid and Stimulant Awareness and Recovery Month.

Also present at the meeting were Criminal Programs Manager Kendra Craver, Administrative Judge Steven Walker, Sarasota County Treatment Court Program Director Rachel Lane, and Drug Court graduates Stacey Ricklemen and John Marllete.

Their participation and the county’s recognition of Opioid and Stimulant Awareness and Recovery Month highlight the ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use. Sarasota County Problem-Solving Court continues to prioritize education, access to treatment, and community collaboration in the fight against addiction, fostering hope and recovery for all residents.

In order of picture, Chief ASA Craig Schaeffer, Criminal Programs Manager Kendra Craver, Administrative Judge Steven Walker, Drug Court graduate John Marllete, Sarasota County Treatment Court Program Director Rachel Lane, and Drug Court graduate Stacey Ricklemen.

SCAM ALERT!!!

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 🗞️

Romance Scammers Love Your Money, Not You.

These scammers prey on emotions and trust to steal money from victims, often targeting seniors through dating sites, social media, and text messages. Don’t ignore the warning signs.

⬇️ Read more below.:

https://desotosheriff.com/news_detail_T4_R376.php

Yesterday, Assistant State Attorney Andrew van Sickle gave a presentation to members of the Sarasota County Bar Association on Exploitation and dealing with cases involving victims suffering from diminished capacity. The focus specifically dealt with the interplay of criminal cases and the Florida Bar Rule of Professional Conduct 4-1.14.