BCSO Financial Crimes Unit Comes Through Big For Victims

BAY COUNTY, FL – On April 11, 2025, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible mail theft perpetrated by a USPS employee and her husband.

During the investigation Amanda McPherson confessed to several mail thefts targeting checks, investment accounts, and identity theft. After stealing the mail, Amanda would then turn the information over to her husband, Johnathon McPherson. Johnathon then used the information to take over investment accounts and steal identities to launder money.

A search warrant was completed on Johnathon’s vehicle which revealed several cards in multiple victim’s names. Using this information, search and seizure warrants were issued to twenty five banking institutions in an effort to recover victim funds. 

At this time $49,763.07 was recovered from Johnathon’s fraudulent accounts. Johnathon McPherson was charged with 7 counts, and Amanda McPherson was charged with 7 counts of various fraud offenses such as Identity Theft, Grand Theft, and Ongoing Scheme To Defraud.

Sheriff Tommy Ford wants to remind the public to be vigilant of scams and remember that if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Sheriff Ford is also appreciative of the Criminal Investigations Financial Crimes Unit and their tireless efforts to pursue those who mean to cause financial harm to our citizens. He also applauds the Investigators who obtained specialized skills and knowledge to recover these funds.