FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2026

Contact:

Office of Public Information

Florida Department of Law Enforcement

info@fdle.state.fl.us 

ORLANDO, Fla. –  The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Douglas Lorenzo Murphy, Jr., 33, and Ericka Elsa Sarita, 49, on one count each of aggravated white-collar crime, organized fraud, criminal use of personal identification information involving 10 or more victims, and two counts each of money laundering $100,000 or more.

FDLE’s investigation began on August 7, 2025, when the Office of Statewide Prosecution notified FDLE agents of a fraud scheme involving the illegal acquisition of foreclosure surplus funds through fraudulent court filings. Two unknown individuals, later identified as Douglas Lorenzo Murphy, Jr. and Ericka Elsa Sarita, used several attorneys and law firms to electronically submit forged documents to the Orange County Clerk of Court, reassigning legal rights to foreclosure surplus funds. 

The investigation found that between 2018 and 2026, Murphy and Sarita stole foreclosure surplus funds from the Clerk of Court through forged legal instruments, stolen identities, falsified corporate structures, and money laundering. In addition, the investigation further revealed that Murphy unlawfully stole and used the identity of a deceased individual. He falsely claimed to be a relative, opened financial accounts in the deceased’s name, authorized the individual’s cremation, and took possession of the remains.

Further investigation found Murphy and Sarita attempted to illegally acquire over $5.5 million in mortgage foreclosure surplus and estate funds, receiving about $2.6 million dollars for their personal benefit.   

On October 4, 2026, FDLE agents obtained arrest warrants for Murphy and Sarita. Both were arrested that same day and transported to the Orange County Jail.

The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the case.

The investigation remains active.