Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agents arrested Leonard Eugene Malone, 38, of Sanford last night and charged him with 53 counts of organized scheme to defraud, conspiracy, criminal use of personal ID, and uttering a forged bank bill.

Malone was previously arrested in June by FDLE agents for his role in a major check cashing scheme in Central Florida. Agents allege Malone was the ringleader in a scam that manufactured driver’s licenses and then produced business checks made out to those individuals. Malone would travel to various businesses and financial institutions throughout Central Florida and use the false identity to cash the counterfeit checks. Investigators say Malone also stole legitimate checks from individuals and cashed those as well.

After his previous arrest, agents continued to investigate the theft ring and found that Malone was in fact the ringleader of an organized group of subjects who worked in concert to steal identities from many Central Florida residents. The investigation continues with additional arrests anticipated.

Investigators believe the ring is responsible for cashing 100-150 checks per month and estimate the financial loss to businesses and financial institutions to be more than several hundred thousand dollars within the last year. Malone is currently on federal probation for committing similar crimes.

FDLE will hold a media availability at 11 a.m.. today at the Orlando Regional Operations Center, 500 W. Robinson Street, Orlando. Officials will be available to conduct interviews and allow media to view evidence.

Malone was booked into the Seminole County Jail. Attorney General Bill McCollum’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Perezluha or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001