JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Two separate fraud schemes targeting credit union members in Missouri and Nebraska have resulted in criminal charges against multiple suspects accused of impersonating financial institution employees and using stolen banking credentials to siphon money from victims’ accounts, according to local television reports.
In Missouri, three Columbia residents have been charged in Cole County in connection with a scheme that allegedly targeted members of a Jefferson City credit union, according to KRCG-TV. The name of the credit union was not released.
Prosecutors charged Leanthony R. Bartlett, A’Kealah L. Hand and Latria R. McNeal with one count each of stealing $750 or more.
Court documents cited by KRCG say the alleged scheme occurred between Dec. 28, 2025, and Jan. 16, 2026, when the suspects allegedly called credit union members while posing as employees of the institution. Investigators allege they persuaded victims to provide online banking login credentials, then accessed the accounts and transferred funds to themselves.
According to charging documents, three victims lost a combined $12,817.04. One member lost $6,805.50, another $1,987.35 and a third $4,024.19.
KRCG reported that the credit union reimbursed the victims for their losses and worked with the Jefferson City Police Department during the investigation.
Phishing Fraud Alleged in Nebraska
In Nebraska, authorities say a larger organized fraud ring used text-message phishing, or “smishing,” to steal at least $150,000 from members of Centris Federal Credit Union, according to KETV.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced charges against seven people in what Sheriff Aaron Hanson described as an organized crime group. Three suspects — Montel Jones Jr., Ashley Morrow-Jones and Marcus Rouse — have been arrested, while four others also face charges, KETV reported.
Investigators allege the suspects fraudulently opened Centris accounts before sending text messages and placing phone calls impersonating the credit union. Victims were allegedly tricked into providing information that enabled the suspects to transfer money from checking and other accounts into newly opened fraudulent accounts controlled by co-conspirators.
“Ultimately, they stole $150,000 or more … out of innocent people’s checking accounts and banking accounts and transferred it to fraudulently newly opened accounts that the co-conspirators had opened in order to commit this crime,” Hanson told KETV.
Tens of Thousands of Dollars
Court records reviewed by KETV indicate the alleged thefts occurred during March 2025, with several suspects accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars.
Hanson credited Centris Federal Credit Union’s fraud department with first identifying the alleged scheme before notifying investigators.
In a statement to KETV, Centris said it remains committed to monitoring for fraud and emphasized that it will never call members to request sensitive personal information. The credit union urged members who receive suspicious text messages claiming to be from the institution to contact it directly using verified contact information.
Hanson said authorities believe the stolen funds are likely insured but added investigators suspect additional participants outside Nebraska may have been involved in the operation.
