Woman guilty of identity theft, fraud against Clay credit unions
JACKSONVILLE – Zipporan Carmel Peters, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Peters faces up to 30 years in federal prison on the conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge, a two-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment on the aggravated identity theft charge, and payment of restitution to the victims she and her co-defendant, Charles Cornelius Smith, defrauded. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Smith obtained the personal identification information, including the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a victim. Using this information, Smith provided Peters with a counterfeit South Carolina driver’s license using the name and identity of the victim, but with Peters’ photo on it. Smith then drove Peters to different branches of the Navy Federal Credit Union in Clay and Duval counties. Using the victim’s identity, Peters made various fraudulent transactions involving the withdrawal of large amounts of cash and the purchase of multiple $500 gift cards, utilizing the victim’s account. Smith and Peters also visited multiple cellphone stores in Clay and Duval Counties and used the victim’s identity to obtain several thousands of dollars worth of cellphones and accompanying merchandise.
On May 27, U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis sentenced Smith, 35, of Jacksonville, to five years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The court also ordered Smith to pay restitution to the victims he and Peters defrauded.
The case was investigated by U.S. Secret Service’s Jacksonville Field Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Asst. U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Woman charged with storing
an unsecured gun within reach of a child

FLEMING ISLAND – A woman was arrested after Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies found a loaded handgun in the backseat of her car and within reach of a minor child.
Stanisha Sharel Scott, 30, of Fleming Island, was charged with improper exhibition of a firearm that was accessible by a minor. Her bond was set at $1,502.
Deputies spotted a child walking on a street with a gun in Green Cove Springs. Deputies questioned Scott after they learned the gun likely came from the backseat of her car. The gun was loaded with 10 rounds, but none in the chamber, CCSO said.

Jacksonville man jailed for pulling a gun during a midday argument
MIDDLEBURG – A Jacksonville man was arrested after he pointed a gun at another man during a fight on Teakwood Circle on June 6.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Lamont Jason Simmons, 21, was charged with attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he pointed the gun at another man during an argument. He didn’t fire the weapon, CCSO said.
Deputies responded to a group of people in the street in the middle of the afternoon. The group said two men, including Simmons, were arguing.
Simmons’ bond was set at $75,003.

Jacksonville Beach man charged with stealing Jeep,
possessing fentanyl
ORANGE PARK – Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies tracked down a car reported stolen in Jacksonville to a local hotel on June 5 and they wound up uncovering drugs in the process.
Mathew Lawrence Olson, 27, of Jacksonville Beach, was charged with grand theft auto, tampering with evidence, possession of fentanyl and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $20,259.
According to the arrest report, CCSO said a Jeep Grand Cherokee was reported stolen late on June 4 in Duval County. Deputies with CCSO and the Orange Park Police Department responded to the Zen Living Suites, where they found Olson and the car.