Georgia Ringleader of Multi-State Mail and Bank Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Federal Prison; 13 Co-Defendants Also Convicted

Jaylen Tylee Hill, also known as “Roscoe Hill,” 26, of Americus, has been sentenced to 81 months (nearly seven years) in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for masterminding a large-scale mail, bank fraud, and identity theft scheme. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner on June 4, alongside sentences for 13 codefendants involved in the criminal enterprise. The Court will determine restitution at a later date.

The extensive investigation began in December 2021 when the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a local church reporting stolen and forged checks from their mailbox. These checks included both contributions to the church and outgoing payments for expenses and charities.

A two-month investigation by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit led to Hill’s initial arrest. Further investigation uncovered dozens more victims and suspects, solving additional cases across Sumter County and surrounding areas.

Investigators determined that Hill orchestrated the scheme, primarily recruiting individuals via Facebook. He would offer to deposit stolen, forged, or duplicated checks into the recruits’ bank accounts, demanding a 50% split of the funds. In a six-month period, Hill stole hundreds of pieces of mail, engaged in at least 68 incidents of bank fraud, unlawfully used stolen debit cards at least 14 times, and possessed 28 stolen identifications. He deposited or attempted to deposit numerous fraudulent checks from more than ten financial institutions, resulting in an intended loss of approximately $165,743.68. Hill also created a fake solar panel installation company recruiting page online, from which he stole the identities of 28 individuals, including their driver’s licenses, social security cards, birth certificates, and instructional permits.

Due to the magnitude and complexity of the case, the U.S. Postal Inspector adopted it for prosecution in Federal Court, where such crimes are subject to harsher penalties and there is no parole.

Hill previously pleaded guilty on May 14, 2024, to one count of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of conspiracy to possess stolen mail.

Thirteen codefendants also faced conviction for their participation:

Victoria Lynn Carter, 25, of Americus, was sentenced to one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud.
Accacia Renae Gordon, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to four months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $14,970.35 restitution on Jan. 15, 2025.
Shaneria Sharae Murray, 33, of Americus, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to 45 days in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 restitution on Dec. 2, 2024.
Chelsea Ja’Nay Tullis, 29, of Americus, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to one month in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on March 15, 2024.
LaQuashia Nichole French, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to 15 days in prison, followed by four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,227.91 restitution on Oct. 23, 2024.
Quontavius Markeese Hill, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $10,815.89 restitution on Nov. 8, 2023.
Jazmon Lace Whitehead, 31, of Oglethorpe, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $7,658.59 restitution on March 17, 2025.
Chasity LaCole Wellons, 31, of Cordele, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 restitution on Jan. 22, 2025.
DeKeyvia Moasha Blackshear, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release on Aug. 16, 2024.
Janita Bre’Shaye Terry, 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release on Dec. 2, 2024.
Kelbresha Danielle Thomas, 30, of Oglethorpe, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to three years of supervised release on Dec. 2, 2024.
Jenetta Small, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to two years of supervised release on March 14, 2025.
Tyavia Deashia Richardson, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to one year of supervised release and ordered to pay $4,740 restitution on Aug. 14, 2024.
Kimbreyanna Andranique Peeples, 23, of Butler, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to one year of supervised release on Dec. 2, 2024.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the crucial support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Postal Inspector, FBI, and U.S. Secret Service in combating increasing fraud crimes in the area. Sheriff’s officials emphasized that the case serves as a reminder that electronic crimes will not go unpunished and urged the public to be cautious about engaging in favors that may have unforeseen legal consequences.