Cordele Woman Arrested for 125 Fraud-Related Charges in Tifton Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested DeAundra Smith, 25, of Cordele, charging her with 125 counts related to identity theft and financial fraud.

Smith faces 19 counts of Computer Trespass, 38 counts of Identity Theft, 18 counts of Financial Transaction Card Theft, and 50 counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud.

The Tifton Police Department requested the GBI’s involvement on January 16, 2025. Investigators determined that Smith used her work computer to obtain customers’ personal information, which she then used to make purchases and pay her bills. Authorities stated that many victims, including elderly individuals, were unaware they had been defrauded.

Smith was arrested on January 24, 2025, and remains in the Tifton County Jail.

This investigation is ongoing, with further charges pending in Dougherty County and Crisp County. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Sylvester at (229) 777-2080. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.