Hold on. Cuz you ain't been 100% for me. >> Yes, I know. >> Yeah. And that's okay cuz I I got a quick memory. >> I looked at it by the minute. That's why I kind of was like I brushed it off. >> I was going to strut it myself, >> but like I said, >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> You're going to go to jail today. >> But I can't. That's the thing. I'm not I've never been to jail. >> You're going to have to go to jail today. On September 5th, 2024, [music] at a Sea Coast Bank branch in Orlando, Florida, a woman named Ashley walked in with a $9,000 check she had received by mail. Officers from the Orlando Police Department were called. [music] What followed was a lengthy interview that broke her story apart, piece by piece. The real issue here is not whether the check was fake. It's whether Ashley knew it was. I >> understand the company had been seeing a lot of fraud checks thrown on. So because of it, they wanted me to report it. So I had to get the police involved with the check. I'm so sorry. Um she came in with the check uh today, trying to negotiate it, but the check is fraud according to the company that we spoke to. >> Is there somewhere we could talk or >> Yeah. Come off. Just take the um the huddle of wood. Thank you. >> Sorry. >> You have your ID on your mail? >> I do. >> I don't. I just explained to her I don't cash that came to me by my mailing address. It was a company that I used to work for during the like before the pandemic hit. So, you know, I even reached out to the bank myself, you know, and I even said, "Hey, this was sent to me by my mailing address. I don't need to cash a fake check. I have a legitimate job." >> Okay, you hear it? >> So, I'm just saying like I don't need anything on my record cuz I ain't never been to jail for no fraud, nothing. So that's one thing for sure is like I never been to a jail for fraud. I never did fraud. That's like the second check I got by mail. The first one I just tossed it because it was like, you know, hey, I don't >> But if you look at the back, there's no watermarks or >> So you know, I don't deal with checks anymore. I usually get everything strictly deposit. So that's why I'm like curious like, "Hey, I even called Ben before I came here >> and say, hey, can you guys verify this over the phone?" She said, "No, >> you still have the letter, the mail." >> It was no letter. It just came in an envelope >> for the envelope >> and No, I didn't have the envelope. Sorry, I kind of tossed it. It came in an envelope with my daily address and it took me >> Did she try to cash it or >> cash? >> She came here and try to cash it. >> Okay. She's saying she just came in here to try to verify its validity. >> No, she asked to verify the check. I asked She spoke to her. >> She told her that she'll verify it. What's her intentions to do check? She was she wanted to cash it with us. I we asked her where the female check came from. If I'm mistaken, she said that she'd been waiting for it. >> She's coated on her >> and then magically just mailed her a $9,000 check. >> Yeah. >> What is my next step of filing a complaint against the company that sent me? >> We'll be we'll get there in a sec. Do >> you still live at the address in your license? >> No, I change that. Um, >> I meant to change my address, so I'm kind of got to change that on my next day off. >> My license, but I'm in the process of moving. So, that's the I need the process of moving. So that I got to change my license on this week. Well, next week cuz [clears throat] I took today to rip and run, finish my home, doing my errands and everything. >> And just like I explained to the young lady, I was like, I don't deal with checks period. Like I usually have my bank to call and verify. I usually come to the bank wherever the check is issued to and have them to verify it. That's why I didn't go to my own bank because I didn't want to deposit and then have fraud hit on my own account. I was like, let me call this bank and see if they can verify it for me. She then said that and then I was asking some questions. I'm like, did this amount match what they owed you? Just questions like that. And she's like, well, you know, I made about this much. She didn't really think about to add it up and stuff like that cuz that's a lot of money. >> Yeah. >> And um so her story was just not really making sense. >> Well, stay in here. Uh just sit tight for us. I'll try to for >> all right. So just start right here. Print your name >> and then exactly what you already explained to us. Just write it down for us. >> You might be here a minute. So if you want to have a seat, you can have a seat. >> How long is a minute? like longer than 30 minutes >> at this point. Would I just be like, can I just take the charges and we leave? >> So, >> even though it's not like >> So, are you admitting that you did something? >> No, I'm just saying. >> So, why would you want to take the charges? >> Just so I can go. >> Well, you're not leaving. If you take the charges, you be going to jail. >> Even longer than 30 minutes. And if you was to see a check from that company, the signature clothes, >> okay? >> Nowhere near your clothes. >> And then, you know, my peoples was like, um, go to the bank, check it out because you don't want to destroy something that could be what they owed you. And I was like, nah, I really don't need it. I have a I have two jobs now, you know, like what do I really need it? >> But then >> they got a hold of somebody at that company. They didn't. Well, I tried. Nobody answered you. >> And what did they say? >> That is not a good chat. >> Yeah. >> So, I've been really busy moving and working wise. So, I haven't like take the time out to come to a bank or go to my bank. >> Okay. >> No, not yet. >> All right, perfect. >> Yeah, but she 100% >> said she was going to cash it or wanted to cash it. I'm all for like if I can get you the own manager's phone number, you can probably call them. They can verify whatever you guys need. >> Yeah, we would have to get our own number through our phone. >> But is trying to help make the process underway faster? >> It's only helping you, not me. But I'm saying like in general it'll help the situation if you get the phone number. >> If we got a phone number, not from you. >> Hello. >> Hi. Hey. How you doing? This is Officer BL with OPD. >> Good. Um, so I guess a check from your company was they attempted to cash out the sea coast. >> That's what I'm saying. I can give you the manager's phone number. You gave us his name. >> Michael. >> Michael. It's a very common name. >> Oh, please don't make me try to remember the last name. It's It's bad. >> There's probably 20 Michaels that work in our department. >> Do you guys want to press charges? >> I mean, somebody somebody was trying to defraud your company on $9,000. It's up to you guys. >> But I mean, >> so we see this a lot. People get checks from people on the outside. They're like, "Hey, go to this bank, check the cash or cash the check, and I'll give you a percentage of it." >> No, >> none of that happened. >> Nobody told me to cash anything. The check literally came by mail. >> You didn't print that check yourself? >> No. >> You don't have a printer in your car? >> Cuz I've seen that, too. >> I don't have a printer in the car. If you want, you can literally My car is like literally right there. that up. She has to try to contact the owner of a boy. >> Oh, I know for a fact that I I don't print the checks. I mean, I wish I had the skills to >> You don't print the checks, but you didn't print that check. >> Didn't print no check at all. I don't have the skills to do it. >> Like, I didn't go to college to do all that extra technology stuff. I just went to school with business and law and that was it. >> So, Yes. >> Um, so this is the check. Basically, they're saying like it's fake. That's supposed to be up here. >> We need to try like could you ask them if they were called the manager that I if I did give them a number? I know you said it'll be kind of like a race, but >> we can call the company. >> You remember the guy last name? >> Cole. >> Michael Cole. You like a desire? >> No. >> It's like a course. >> Hold on. >> Thought I heard your voice in there. >> When you call for ego, this is what you get. >> Hey, if they >> if they do want to press charges, do I like email them a statement later? Yeah, you can just email him a statement and just say, "Hey, fill this out." Just someone to say yes, they want to do something now. Enough to make the arrest. >> So, question. >> Where do we go next? >> Uh, >> I think a detective is coming out to talk to you, >> but I don't cash fake checks. Like, hands down. Like I came and wrote down the check and I said, "Hey, I got this in the mail. >> This is what it was." And there was the lady, she came and said, "How did you want to what do you want to do with the check?" She asked me. I said, "Cash it if you can." Like, you know, it was no, "Okay, I'm here to cash a check type thing." >> Yes. On charges. >> If I She was an employee. >> She was never been She's never been employed there. And neither is Michael Cole. >> So, what happened today? I know you it seems like you probably already detailed that I am, but just so you can catch me up on game so I know what's going on. >> Last month I got a check by mail from the company that I used to work for um >> last month. >> Yeah. >> Okay. What was the name of the company? >> It was um I don't even remember the name. I just know it was a call center, but they had closed down >> when the pandemic hit. >> Okay. >> But >> how long did you work there? >> A year. >> A year. 6 months to a year before the pandemic came around. >> Okay. >> So, >> and you don't remember the name of the company? >> I'm sorry. It's just I I worked so many jobs after that just trying to stay up with >> Yeah. >> bills and everything. >> Um Okay. >> But >> you got direct deposit from them or did you get paid by check from them? >> From them. I got direct deposit. I was like a long time ago with an old bank like >> Okay. So you don't bank with that bank now? >> I don't bank with Chase no more. >> Okay. So when you work for them you bank with Chase? >> Yes. >> You got direct deposit from them via Chase? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Um then after that job I went and started working. I didn't go to McDonald's right away. >> Mhm. I applied for McDonald's but they said I don't have the qualification skills so I went >> really wow okay >> so I went to SeaWorld got hired at SeaWorld University and um >> yeah so who you know >> additional finance >> okay so from Chase you went to additional finance or >> no I went to like a different bank after I went to Los Angeles >> why you keep moving banks >> cuz like >> I had Chase banks since I was in high school. >> It was like, >> you know, >> well, first I started with Bank America and then, >> you know, they start talking about how Bank America is scamming people and stuff. Then that's why I moved and changed you. >> Okay. And my understanding is the check that you came to cash today was from this employer that you used to work at that you don't remember the name. >> No, I don't I mean, yes, but >> I worked at several jobs. I'm not a type of person to scam anybody. Like I ain't never >> listen listen. I don't think you're the type of person that's gonna scam anybody. >> But I I've had co-workers hit me up on Facebook. >> And they was like, "Hey, do you remember the company we used to work for?" Like >> was like, "Girl, I don't remember half the places I worked." I was like, "But sure, what about it?" And they were like, "Oh, well, they sent me a check for$7,000." I was like, "Oh, okay. That's kudos for you." I mean, I really need it cuz I'm making ends meets with the two of the jobs that I got. Even though it's still a little struggle >> that I might have to pick up a third job when summer starts. I mean, summer ends. >> Mhm. >> But other than that, like, you know, I just been, you know, working, >> making it work, >> living from paycheck to paycheck basically. >> Okay. >> You know, >> that way you work for the company that's on the check that you don't remember the name. Um, who was the manager there? Who was your supervisor? >> Michael. My supervisor was Michael. Michael Cole. Okay. And did you work directly for that company? >> Yes. >> After I left the company, Michael, >> you know, sugar co nothing. I had a relationship with him >> up till like two weeks ago. >> Okay. >> Like that was just like years after we both left the company. It was nothing like >> your relationship. You weren't relationship by anybody, you know? >> No. >> Single. >> Just got kids. >> Two kids. >> Yeah. >> How old are they? >> Seven and eight. >> Seven and eight. Where they at right now? >> No. >> My aunt friend's house. And I'm going to go get them from her house cuz they was playing with her kids. >> Okay. So, let's talk about the check. What's the deal with the check? You said you got it in the mail. >> I got it in the mail just like everybody else that reached out to me on social media. >> Well, one girl called me through social media and she was like um >> just bragging about the check >> pretty much. She I guess she didn't have my direct phone number anymore. >> So she called me through social media >> and she was like um >> well the company they sent us they sent me a check and I'm like okay like for what? And she was like remember we worked and they had shut down. >> She was like yeah >> what friend is that? >> Jessica. >> Jessica you got her phone number? Deb. >> No. What's her last name? >> I'm not even going to lie. >> You got on social media. Can you pull it up on your social media? >> But to be honest, I >> think she blocked me cuz I think she probably felt jealous. No offense, but I don't I don't know cuz I might have to go back to try to call her when I got mine. I couldn't find her. But >> after she had got hers, did you get yours? >> Maybe later. When you when you worked for this company, did they owe you any money? >> We were supposed to get paid one more check. No, we went to two more checks. >> One to two more >> because we did work from home. >> Mhm. >> Um when they shut the office and stuff down because >> How much did you get paid when you were there? >> 15 $15 an hour. >> $15 an hour. You worked 40 hours a week >> and then we got paid every two weeks. >> Every two weeks. So about roughly How much was that? Sometimes my check will be at nine. Then sometimes my check will be roughly around eight >> 100. Okay. >> And then sometimes my check will be >> like 990. >> Okay. So it's fair to say if you were owed >> two months two months worth of money [clears throat] >> at 1,800 bucks a month on the high end >> without Yeah. Without >> still at 3,600 bucks >> if you were owed money. >> Yes. >> It's probably not going to be 9,000. But that's exactly what I said when I was trying to do my calculations. >> Yeah, that don't add up. >> It didn't add up. So, I was like, "Okay, let me >> let me see here." Like, um, >> did you call the company? >> I tried. It was the number I had tried to call is no longer in service. >> When did you try to call them? >> 4 days after I got the check. >> Okay. And which was when a month ago? And then after that, I just been busy moving and working my jobs and trying to just stay afloat. I kind of was like, well, you know, even with friends of mine, I know I say friends, let's just say you been trying to stay afloat >> basically. >> Been working, hustling, and you got this $9,000 check a month ago. But yeah, you don't you don't think let me go cash this check to help me out? No, I I've been doing it, you know, now like, >> you know what I mean? >> Mhm. >> On my own with the >> kind of kind of know what you mean. >> Just stretching out my paychecks, you know, from here and there. So, >> this is me as a reasonable person >> and I get a check that's owed to me for $9,000. >> I'm cashing that baby right away. >> Right. >> Right. But I mean I I didn't think nothing of it because I was kind of skeptical about tax anyways. >> So I was like no. And then I you know I talked to my family members and you know >> um family members and other associates that got theirs. I was like did that check was like legit? And they was like >> yeah and some never responded. Mhm. >> So, you skeptical about the check? >> I just kind of just pushed it to the side cuz I had a lot going. >> Why? Why were you skeptical about the check? >> Because >> Was it the way that it looked? >> Yeah. >> Where's the check at? >> It was the way it looked and it was just like >> What? What about I was skeptical looking at it? >> What look what look weird about it? >> For one, a check is never this big. >> Okay. I'm just, you know, being straightforward. It's never this big. >> I've seen a couple checks that big. >> Um, the little gold stamp thingy. I have seen a check with gold stamp or silver stamp. I'm sorry. >> And it was just on the back. >> What about the back? You can usually it'll say no copy, >> but it was just for me it was like I just folded it up like this and just look at the check >> and I just immedately put it in my wallet and I'm kind of just like >> Did the fonts throw you off a little bit? >> Yeah. >> So looking at this check, right, using everything that you pointed out to me, right, it's probably fair to say this is a fake check. >> Yes. >> Yeah. All right. Um, all right. I appreciate you for talking with me, but now I have a couple questions for you. Okay. >> The turning point comes when Ashley on camera agrees that the check is quote probably fake. That single admission is what the state needs to charge her under Florida statute 831.02, uttering a forged instrument. The statute requires the state to prove she acted knowingly. She just provided that proof herself. Still, this is where a defense attorney earns their fee. An admission made during a non-custodial interview before Miranda warnings opens a real suppression argument. Whether that argument succeeds depends on exactly when this detention became custodial. That question is worth watching closely. >> And this is where I just want you to be truthful with me at this point. I'm 100%. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> Cuz you ain't been 100% with me. >> Yeah. And that's okay cuz I I got a quick memory. It happened. It's gone. I ain't even worried about it anymore. Okay. But I am worried about you at this point cuz someone got you in here cashing a check that you know is fake. Okay. Hold on. Tell Listen. >> I honestly thought I looked at it by the mail. That's why I kind of was like I brushed it off. M >> I was going to shred it myself, >> but like I said, >> yeah, >> other co-workers and friends and family, look, they sound like family. Oh, yeah. It's a legit check. Cash it. You know, I got my money type. Whatever. >> But but you you and I both look at this check and you just told me that it was fake pretty much. Yes. All right. So, >> that's the reason why I >> So, so hold on now. Hold on now. I'm just going to everything that you told me and the conversation so far. I'm going to tell it back to you and you're going to tell me how this makes sense. All right. Okay. You say you work at a call center, right? This should be a call center check, >> but you don't even know the name. >> This check is from [music] Construction, Inc. That's not a call center. Okay. For one. All right. Even if you did work at this company. Okay. I called the company. We talked to the company. >> They don't know you and they don't know no Michael Cole. >> They don't know Michael Cole. >> Listen. Listen. Listen. Ashley. Listen. Listen. Okay. That's not true. >> Okay. >> All right. So, I'm going to let you look at this check. I'm going to let you think about everything that you just told me. All right. I'm going to give you the second one. And I just want you to tell me the truth about the check. That's the truth. >> Now listen, listen listen. If you just want to stick to that story, that's fine. Cuz I already But hold up. I already listen. >> I already talked to the company. Okay. They don't know you or Micro. All right. So, that's a lie. >> B. You just told me you knew the check was fake. Yeah. You in here trying to cash it. >> No, I wasn't trying to cash it. >> Okay. I came in here to ask him to verify you >> because hey, >> I I spoke to the teller and he said you came in here to try to cash a check. >> No, I didn't. I told her I said I was really skeptical about this check that I got in the mail >> from a company. >> You just pointed out to me multiple different reasons and multiple different things about the check that you knew was fake. Why you didn't come in here and waste your time and do that? >> Because like I said >> Mhm. >> cuz of other employees I used to work with. >> Okay. >> That was the only reason why. All right, Ash. >> Look at this check. Process. Process the truth. >> That is the truth. >> I'mma step back a little bit. >> Honestly, that is the truth. >> I'mma wait for you to tell me the truth. >> That is the truth. S Michael, >> who who are you talking to on the phone? >> Nobody. >> No, Michael. I just texted him. I said, "Hey, the company that you said that we used to work for, they sent the check." And I said, they said that the check >> Can I see what you wrote, Michael? >> No, probably. >> They said, "Didn't you cast a check?" I said, "No, cuz he asked me if I passed the check." When I got it, I said no because I was so busy working. What? Whatever. >> What number is this? >> That's the WhatsApp number. That's how I communicate with him. >> Is this the person who >> works with the company? Well, >> is this the person who sent you to Jen? >> Yes. We both used to work with the company. >> Okay. >> And he got the same trip that I got. And I was like, and I just told him I said, >> "Can I see?" >> And I just told him was in a relationship up to like two weeks ago, but it was getting difficult trying to a long-distance relationship. >> What does this person have you doing? >> Tell me tell me the the rundown. This is Michael. We both used to work with the company together. Not that company, but the call center. And he was telling me that he'll help me pay for my expenses because I was telling you that I was having problems, you know, minor work done in my vehicle. And he was like, "Okay, no worry. I got you. >> I'll send you a check by mail. You can cash it." And then like as of today, you can clearly see right here, like right here when I had told him, I was like, "Hey, the check that you sent me at the bottom." I was like, when I told him here, I was like, "Hey, the check that you got, the check that you got and you said >> I don't see what you're saying. What? No, >> you're saying something that's not on the phone." >> No, no, here. >> You're telling me something that's not there in the phone. >> No, I texted him Monday. I was like, "Hey." He never responded. He never responded. Then I got a phone call on Monday night. >> So, how long cashing the check that you sent me? >> All right. That you're saying you got a month ago by this company. Now, it's from this Michael guy, >> which we both used to work for the same >> who doesn't work at the company cuz I already talked to the company that you finally have a day off. H. What the hell? The check is not real. >> What do you mean? Well, you knew the check wasn't real cuz you explained it to me, which is why you've been holding on to it for a month. >> Yeah. Okay. >> But I just >> You said you passed it before, so I avoided the check. >> And that's the honest truth. I don't have nothing to lie about. Like I really want to go pick my kids because like now I'm to the point that I don't even >> deal with this. >> Okay. >> And this number is like an overseas phone number. That's the reason why we had literally stopped. We really like, you know. >> Have you ever seen this person in your life? >> Yes. We used to work together. >> Okay. And then once you cash this check, what were you supposed to do with the funds? >> It was supposed to take care of my expenses. >> Expenses for a while. >> Whatever I need around the house or my my car needed to be repaired, but I got that done. >> Mhm. >> So, I'm literally telling you the truth. I have nothing to do with any fraud. So this guy gave you a check to cover your expenses that you don't even know who this is. It can be anybody saying it's anybody's name. >> Michael me and used to work together at the cost. >> Okay. Um All right. >> I don't have nothing to worry about. All I want to worry about now is like now I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable. I just want to go home to my kids cuz like now I'm starting to be my age. Well, unfortunately, you you're not going to go on to your kids right now, >> right? >> Okay. Because you just tried to cash a fake job. >> I didn't try to cash anything. I literally came here and asked the lady. You didn't go get her. I asked her to verify >> and then you told me to check in from this company. >> Yes. >> Now you're telling me the checks from this guy that has some overseas phone number that you're saying is Michael that you've never seen this person? >> I've seen him before. He used to work. How do you know that's Michael texting me on WhatsApp? >> Because he said he couldn't use his phone cuz he's overseas. And then after that, like that's literally the reason why. I'm telling you the truth. Honestly, the truth. Like >> tell me the truth from the beginning. >> So in the beginning, me and him had a relationship. >> Okay. >> Like you clearly see >> a relationship [snorts] over text? >> No, we was really in a relationship. >> Like you guys would see each other in real life. >> Yes. >> Okay. Then he moved, you know, over there where he's at now. >> Where is that? >> In Connecticut. Overseas. >> Okay. Overseas in Connecticut. >> That's where he's sending me to Connecticut. >> Okay. >> Um, personally, I was like, "Okay, we can try and make this work." >> Mhm. >> Then I had thought, but I was like, "I don't want to do a long distance." >> How long have you guys been trying this long distance relationship thing? >> A good little minute. >> Okay. A good minute is what a week a month says. >> Okay. >> And like you know it's after a while when you don't hear the person's voice every day. You know, you just be like, "Oh, I feel like they're cheating." Or, "Oh, I feel like they're doing this that and the third." >> Have you talked to this guy on the phone? >> Yes. call. Can I talk to him? >> Oh, absolutely. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> I hear you. >> Yeah, I can hear you. Um, question. Now talk to him about the check. >> Honey, the the check that you sent me for my expenses since you voted a check. Um they're saying that it's not a legit check at the bank. >> Why? >> They're saying that it's not a legit check at the bank. >> Okay. I see it. >> No, honey. What I'm saying is this hungry Oh my gosh. >> Where is Michael from? >> He asked if I'm still here. I said yes. >> Where is he from? >> England. He has an accent. A Indian accent. [sighs] >> What did he say? >> He said you're in the bed. You're like, "Yes." So that's why I said he sent me with a check. He said [snorts] he's like, "I'm going to send you a check to pay for your expenses." >> Okay. Well, you knew the check was fake. >> But I waited until I had a day off to say, "Hey, I came to the bank and I said, "Hey guys, I got a check in the mail. [clears throat] It felt a little awkward for me to go to my bank to the deposit. I know it took a long time to process or whatever the issue may be and stuff and I was like you know can you guys verify this? I was like I don't >> tell them tell him call me and then tell him the police don't believe that story when he calls. >> Like I'm honestly telling the truth. I think whoever this person is has sent you on a mission to try and cash this fake check. >> Nobody sent me on a mission to do anything though. >> I'm telling you the truth. Like 100%. I never been in jail. >> And that's okay because unfortunately >> But I'm telling you like honestly like >> you're going to go to jail today. >> But I can't. That's the thing. I'm not I've never been to jail. >> You're going to have to go to jail today. Sorry. >> Please don't let me go to jail. Like I'm I'm I'm begging you guys because like >> I never had anything to do with a fake check. >> Mhm. >> I'm telling you like 100%. >> Honestly, >> like really like I'm I'm real deal begging you guys. Like I'm I'm serious. >> Can I please call my mom before you >> just raise your right hand real quick? >> Wait, wait one second. Please let me just >> This is real quick. I just want to swear you in just so that we can say what you told me is the truth. And then you can call your mom if you want to call your mom. >> But I really don't want to go to jail. Like that's what I I've never been to jail before. I >> Okay. I'm just going to swear you in real quick just to verify I was telling was the truth. Okay. [music] Raise your right hand. >> You saw me swear in front of the testimony you just gave in this case was the truth. The whole truth. Nothing but the truth. >> Yes. That's the whole truth. I'm so serious. Like I never been arrested before. I never had anything to do with anything. And it's just like it's really difficult for me to even try to process this because it's like I never had to to do any of this before. >> All right, Ashley, stand up for stand up. >> Can I call my mom first? >> I'm sure we can we can go ahead and contact her and say >> I want to contact her and let her know, please. Can I Can I please call her? >> Well, we'll call her in a second. Say [snorts] >> I'm telling the truth, though. Like, I never had anything to do with [ __ ] >> You guys don't even have to arrest me. Yeah. Can I just call her, please? >> I'm sure my fault, please. >> At this point, you're going to be in the custody of the taken to jail. I don't want to make any decisions for them. >> No, no, you don't have to make any decisions. Can you just let me call her on my phone, please? I'm asking to do one thing. >> Just one simple thing. Please, >> we can walk inside. Okay. >> Okay. Can I just stand here? >> We'll walk. >> She go walking. >> Can I get I can show you the thing in my in >> You guys don't have to arrest me. We do. I mean, >> go. >> Can I Can I get the phone to call? >> We'll get back there in the car. The last car. >> Okay. >> It's the last car. >> Sure. I get my car. >> Oh, do you? >> Yeah. It's a problem, right? >> Go pull it up. >> That way. >> It's right there. >> Oh, I see it. >> Come on. Okay. So, you know when I got a letter in the mail? It was a check that was in the mail and I came to the bank that it's at and they said that it's a fake check. So, they want to um take me down to the jail because they hold the phone. >> You don't have >> I said um I came to the bank because the they said that the I got a check in the mail. Oh, should I just hold it? >> They said that the check was fake and now the officer wants to take me to the Orange County jail to talk about it. >> The check? >> No, no, no. >> You are going to jail. >> They said that I'm going >> to talk about it to get booked into the jail. >> Mom, can you start on the phone? You can't hold it here. Star, can you explain to mom that I was trying to tell her that I got a check by mail and I came to the bank for them to verify and they said that I was over here trying to cash a fake check and now they want to take me to the county jail on 33rd, which I wasn't trying to cast the check. I was trying to get them to verify it. >> You about to go right now? >> Yeah, I'm downtown. If you guys can come and talk to them >> or I'm not coming here. You're going to jail. You'll get a phone call. Jail. Okay. All right. We're We're done. We're going to get rolling. Okay. >> Ashley, do you have any weapons on you? >> No, I have nothing. >> Okay. >> My stuff is in >> What's in this pocket right here? >> Keys. >> Keys to your car. >> I'm not making any more phone calls right now. Okay. >> But I was telling her what happened. It's just >> you'll be able to get a phone call from the jail when you >> bucket that happened. >> Okay. Okay. So, if you bring anything into the jail, drugs, knives, guns, nothing like that. >> Smoke. >> Okay. >> Just a car key. >> Do you have anything tucked into your bra or anything like that? >> I'm not We're not going to check. So, it's kind of on you if you >> No, I have to jail. >> All right. >> I have nothing. We're just going to walk. >> From the moment the bank flagged a check, the officers had reasonable suspicion under Terry versus Ohio. that justified a temporary stop in questions. The problem is that reasonable suspicion is a lower bar than probable cause. As the interview extended, the nature of the detention shifted. At some point, a reasonable person would not have felt free to leave. That is the custodial line, and it matters for everything said after it. Miranda versus Arizona requires officers to advise a suspect of their rights before a custodial interrogation. on camera. No Miranda warning is given before the key admissions are made. The prosecution will argue Ashley was free to leave, making it non-custodial. The defense will argue the opposite. Once the detective told her she was going to jail, the custodial threshold had already been crossed, and everything said before that warning becomes contested ground. The overseas operator, whoever Michael actually is, likely faces exposure under Florida statute 817.034. 034 the Florida Communications Fraud Act. That statute covers organized fraud committed through electronic communication. If this is part of a larger operation, federal wire fraud under United States Code Title 18 section 1343 is the more serious exposure. Ashley's position is legally distinct from the person who created the check. Under Florida statute 831.01 01 forgery. Both the maker and the passer face a thirdderee felony, but intent is everything. If Ashley can establish she genuinely believed the check might be legitimate, the knowing element collapses, and the charge does not hold. The detective's approach here is textbook. He builds rapport, establishes a baseline, and lets Ashley talk. He does not threaten. He does not mislead. He uses her own words to close each exit. The summary and confront method is more effective than direct accusation, and the results here show why. Ashley is a complicated subject. The evidence fits the profile of a romance scam victim, financial stress, an online relationship, an overseas partner, a check that arrived unsolicited. But she held that check for a month, acknowledged it looked suspicious, and when confronted, her story shifted three different times. Victims of fraud deserve sympathy. They do not get legal immunity. If you receive an unexpected check, especially from someone you only know online, do not touch it. Call your bank's fraud line first. The moment you walk into a branch to cash it, you are a suspect, not a victim. The fact that someone sent it to you does not protect you from what happens next. If law enforcement starts asking questions at a bank or anywhere, you have the right to say nothing. Ashley's admissions were voluntary. Every version of the story she offered gave investigators more to work with. Under the fifth amendment, the right against self-inccrimination is yours to use, and not using it has real consequences. Romance scam operators target people under financial pressure. The script is always the same. Trust built over weeks followed by a request involving money. The check Ashley received was not a mistake or a windfall. It was a tool. The person holding it when police arrive is the one who takes the charge. If there is an interaction or illegal topic you want covered, drop it in the comments. Thank you for watching and check out Audit the Court for more police interaction and courtroom content.