5 Massachusetts residents charged in alleged fraud scheme to steal thousands from Somerset man

5 Massachusetts residents are facing several charges after being implicated in a fraud scheme.

According to police, on Tuesday, Somerset Police Officers responded to Rockland Trust Bank, located at 100 Slades Ferry Avenue, for a report of a female suspect actively involved in a potential check fraud scheme. Prior to arriving in the area, Detective James Cardella and Detective Donald Cormier, who was operating an unmarked police cruiser, advised responding uniformed officers to remain several blocks away from the bank based on his experience with similar fraud investigations, which often involve co-conspirators waiting in a vehicle some distance from the target location.

A short time later, the female suspect exited Rockland Trust Bank and walked a considerable distance west on Slades Ferry Avenue before approaching and entering a white 2026 Dodge Durango bearing Michigan registration 37578RF. Officers then converged on the area and conducted a motor vehicle stop of the Durango.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspects were attempting to withdraw $30,000 from the victim’s bank account after successfully assuming his identity. As part of the scheme, the suspects changed the telephone number associated with the victim’s account. As a result, when bank employees called to verify the transaction, they initially spoke with one of the suspects, who fraudulently authorized the withdrawal. Fortunately, Rockland Trust employees recognized irregularities in the transaction and contacted the victim using a previously documented telephone number associated with the account. The victim advised bank personnel that he had not authorized the transaction, at which time bank employees contacted the Somerset Police Department.

As a result of the investigation, five individuals were placed under arrest for their involvement in the scheme. The Dodge Durango was subsequently seized pending the issuance of a search warrant. Detective Donald Cormier later obtained a search warrant for the Dodge Durango. Execution of the search warrant resulted in the seizure of approximately $1,117 in cash, fifteen bank cards bearing the names of individuals other than the five arrested individuals, nine fraudulent checks, one electronic weapon (stun gun), nine cellular telephones, and one tablet computer.

Chief Tedford stated that the investigation conducted by Detective James Cardella and Detective Donald Cormier revealed a coordinated scheme to obtain funds from the victim’s bank account through identity theft, account manipulation, and the use of fraudulent identification and financial instruments. Evidence recovered during the execution of the search warrant was consistent with methods commonly employed by organized fraud and identity theft groups. Chief Tedford stated that additional charges are expected following the completion of a follow-up investigation into the evidence seized from the vehicle.

The following five individuals were arrested and all have been charged with attempt to commit a crime, uttering a false check, and conspiracy:

1. Troy Donell Gathers Jr. age 23 of Marlborough, MA

2. Brandon Kevin Williams Jr. age 23 of Chelsea, MA

3. Donnie Earl Smith Jr. age 24 of Randolph, MA

4. Kayana Evon-Laurine Powell age 20 of Taunton, MA

5. Donnie Earl Smith age 25 of Lowell, MA