It could be called occupational therapy but no one's happy about it
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Coordinated state prison raids yield contraband linked to schemes defrauding elderly Floridians
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Officials warn that inmates are using cellphones and technology to run from behind bars
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Florida law enforcement vows aggressive action to protect the states vulnerable senior population
It's no secret that prisons are full of criminals, who are cut off from their normal sources of revenue and forced to use alternative methods to earn what in other circumstances might be called walking-around money.
Many prison inmates have an extensive background in running and are happy to take on apprentices for a share of their ill-gotten gain. Combinethat with the miniaturization of communications gear and you have a problem.
Seeking to at least contain if not solve the problem, Florida law enforcement officials recently executed surprise search and seizure operations in three state prisons thought to be the nexus of schemestargeting senior citizens. The operations were announced Tuesday by Attorney General James Uthmeier alongside state and local law enforcement leaders.
The raids uncovered acache of contraband, including:
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39 contraband cellphones
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94 chargers
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10 SIM cards
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4 WiFi hotspots
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10 earbuds
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3 SD cards
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10 batteries
Officials say the items were being used by inmates to orchestrate often targeting retirees with deceptive phone calls, fake emergencies, and fraudulent investment schemes.
Florida is the #1 state to retire, and we have a duty to protect the seniors living out their golden years, saidUthmeier. Were locking down our prisons and locking up the criminals who prey on our elderly.
Not just security risks
Contraband cellphones are not just security riskstheyre weapons used to exploit, extort, and endanger lives far beyond prison walls,saidFlorida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon.
The action follows a surge in reports of elder fraud linked to inmates using smuggled devices to access the internet and contact victims. Law enforcement leaders issued a stern warning to offenders.
If you target our seniors, we will target you, said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Protecting our elderly isnt optionalits our moral obligation.
What to do
Uthmeier is urging seniors to stay vigilant and outlined key tips for avoiding :
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Avoid high-pressure sales tactics
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Dont share personal information with strangers
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Consult with family or friends before making financial decisions
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Monitor accounts regularly
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Be cautious of suspicious emails or text links
Posted: 2025-06-04 14:18:10
