A Georgia woman has been arrested in connection with a multi-year financial fraud case tied to the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, according to court records and an arrest affidavit. Authorities allege the scheme involved unauthorized access to bank accounts, fraudulent identity use, and multiple wire transfers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Case
The case stems from a 2023 scam that investigators say targeted both the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the organization’s then-executive director. Officials estimate total losses exceeded $500,000 for the chamber and more than $340,000 in improperly issued U.S. Treasury funds linked to the fraudulent activity.
According to investigators, the scheme unfolded over several months and involved repeated financial transfers and communications between multiple individuals.
Suspect
Authorities identified the arrested suspect as 26-year-old Jazmyne Latreasure Avery. She faces multiple felony charges, including cybercrime-related theft and fraud, money laundering, and theft involving amounts between $100,000 and $1 million.
Court records indicate Avery is currently being held at the Boulder County Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the Boulder County Justice Center.
Allegations
According to an arrest affidavit, the scam involved an individual posing as a bank representative named “Danny,” who allegedly gained access to the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce’s bank account and the personal account of its former executive director, Vicki Trumbo.
Investigators say the impersonator conducted unauthorized withdrawals and transfers over a two-month period, including more than $360,000 from the chamber’s account and over $148,000 from Trumbo’s personal account. The affidavit also references approximately 90 phone conversations between the victim and the impersonator during the scheme.
Money Movement
Authorities allege that Avery received eight wire transfers totaling $286,700 as part of the broader operation. Investigators say additional funds were moved through multiple individuals across different states, including Georgia and Florida.
The affidavit also describes the use of U.S. Treasury checks totaling more than $340,000 that were deposited and allegedly used to further obscure the source of the funds.
Evidence
Police reportedly obtained digital evidence from Avery’s iCloud account, including photographs of cash, screenshots of banking applications showing wire transfers, and text messages discussing the stolen funds.
In one alleged message cited in the affidavit, a participant references the origin of the money as the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, raising further questions about coordination among suspects.
Co-Defendants
Investigators say several other individuals were named in connection with the scheme. At least three have already been arrested.
Two co-defendants pleaded guilty to money laundering charges and received probation sentences. Another suspect, identified as Terry Pugh and alleged to have acted as “Danny,” is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in July.
Court
Avery remains in custody as the case moves through Boulder County District Court. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 1, when preliminary proceedings will assess whether the case will proceed to trial.
Prosecutors continue to build the case as they examine financial records, communications, and transaction histories linked to the alleged fraud network.
Context
Financial cybercrime cases involving impersonation and wire fraud have become increasingly common, often relying on social engineering tactics such as spoofed identities and extended communication with victims to build trust.
In this case, investigators say the alleged scheme involved coordinated actions across multiple states and individuals, with funds routed through various accounts to obscure their origin.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review additional evidence and potential connections between suspects.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the Lafayette scam case?
Jazmyne Latreasure Avery, 26, was arrested in connection with the scheme.
How much money is she accused of receiving?
She allegedly received $286,700 in wire transfers.
Who was impersonated in the scam?
A fake bank representative named “Danny” was used in the scheme.
What losses are linked to the case?
Over $500,000 from the chamber and $343,678 in Treasury funds.
Is the investigation still active?
Yes, authorities say the case remains ongoing.
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