POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A complex criminal conspiracy involving “Trap Boys” gang members and a massive fraud operation has been dismantled by Polk County authorities.
Three individuals with extensive criminal records – 24-year-old Tyler Jacob, 25-year-old Joquarius Green, and 24-year-old Daquan Quarry – were arrested for their roles in a scheme that defrauded over 200 businesses, 26 banks, and three credit unions across central Florida.
“These guys were instrumental in this gang that they called the Trap Boys. In fact, Tyler Jacob was known as the money man. He kind of perfected this scheme, and he was teaching it, and he was bringing people in,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Mr. Hamburg is going to talk about that. But guess what? We flushed the Trap Boys. They cease to exist.”
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The investigation, launched in July 2022 after a traffic stop revealed fraudulent checks and stolen debit cards in Jacob’s possession, uncovered a sophisticated operation in which Jacob recruited accomplices through social media to cash fraudulent checks, generating an estimated $50,000 per week.
A search of Jacob’s vehicle revealed further evidence of the scheme, including checks in his washing machine, printers, and shredders, indicating an attempt to destroy evidence.
Nineteen other individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy were also indicted on federal charges. Due to the ongoing federal investigation, their identities remain undisclosed.
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“This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue to work together to protect our communities from those who seek to exploit and defraud others.”
The arrests mark a significant victory in the fight against organized crime and financial fraud in Polk County.
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