APPLETON, Wis. — Four people have been charged in a fraud scheme that investigators say targeted members of two Wisconsin credit unions, Fox Communities Credit Union and Community First Credit Union, netting fraudsters tens of thousands of dollars by gaining access to victims’ accounts and siphoning funds, according to authorities.
Identified as defendants as part of the broader fraud conspiracy are:
- Deandre Tyrone Mackontee, 25, of Allouez, who prosecutors said helped organize the scheme and recruit others.
- Demetrius King Jr., 26, of Green Bay, charged in connection with his role in accessing and moving stolen funds.
- Brad Porter, 50, of Oneida, also charged with participating in the coordinated fraud.
- Addie Harden (age not yet disclosed), charged in the case alongside the others.
Alleged Scheme Details
According to court documents and statements from law enforcement, the fraud took place in late 2024 and into 2025. Scammers allegedly deceived credit union members into sharing online banking credentials by posing as staff from fraud departments or other trusted sources. Once armed with that information, the suspects accessed accounts at the two credit unions and transferred funds to accounts they controlled or to accomplices, who then withdrew or moved the money quickly to avoid detection, authorities said.
Fox Communities Credit Union reportedly lost nearly $192,000 after reimbursing affected members, while Community First Credit Union reported losses of more than $23,000 tied to the scheme.
Charges and Next Steps
Authorities said the charges against Mackontee, King, Porter and Harden include counts related to fraud, money laundering and organized financial crime. Prosecutors are continuing the investigation, and additional charges or arrests are possible as authorities work to identify other participants in the conspiracy. Court proceedings for the four defendants have been scheduled but dates have not yet been released.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and cooperating federal agencies are urging any additional victims of the scheme to come forward as investigators build their case.
