https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/crime/2024/08/09/496223/at-least-four-arrested-in-expansive-houston-area-bank-fraud-money-laundering-scheme/

At least four people were arrested in an extensive money laundering scheme targeting Houston area residents this week, according to the Mont Belvieu Police Department.

The department and other law enforcement agencies for months were investigating reports of money being stolen from bank accounts by unauthorized wire transactions. Investigators identified 35 victims of the scheme from Mont Belvieu, Baytown, Chambers County, Houston and Liberty County. At least $350,000 was stolen and laundered through other bank accounts, but officials said that amount could reach up to $600,000.

“The scheme involved suspects who obtain victims stolen financial data then used various online messaging apps to recruit other lower-level individual participants who allowed their legitimate bank accounts to be used to funnel stolen funds through,” Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said in a statement.

Dubbed “Operation Cash Back,” the investigation identified four men who led the scheme, recruited others and facilitated their involvement.

The U.S. Marshals Office, Homeland Security Investigations and local law enforcement agencies led the operation that resulted in 40 separate search warrants for electronic devices. Two additional search warrants were executed at homes in McNair and Baytown, according to the Mont Belvieu Police Department.

“Financial crimes like these are becoming far too common and growing more complex,” Ellison said. “This multi-agency investigation serves as a testament to tenacious detective work and our invaluable local, state and federal partnerships that help bring justice to victims of these types of crimes.”

Authorities have made several arrests related to the investigation in Southeast Texas and other states including Georgia and Illinois, but the Mont Belvieu Police Department has only identified four men arrested in the ongoing investigation believed to be the primary suspects of the operation.

20-year-old Jayson Vershawn Gipson, 21-year-old Lajewel Simon McGilbray, 23-year-old Gregory Wayne Edwards III and 25-year-old Doc Leon Frank are each facing engaging in organized criminal activity and money laundering charges.

Multiple bank accounts used by the men in the commission of the offenses have been frozen. Officers also recovered an additional $10,000 in cash tied to the scheme, “as well as assorted quantities of illegal drugs and controlled substances in possession of defendants,” according to the department.