Six Hit The Hard Knock Road in Texas Bank Fraud Scam

PLANO, TEXAS – A gang of six has been nailed to the hard knock road after being indicted in a sophisticated bank fraud scheme operating in the Eastern District of Texas. The Department of Justice’s Public Affairs Office dropped the hammer today, charging Craig Dwayne Tobias, Keevan Iszeal Coney, Makeisha Ann Williams, Antonio Perez Barfield, Atamian Rajuan Johnson, and Misty Dawn Hendrix with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and 10 counts each of aggravated identity theft.

The indictment details a brazen scheme where the defendants allegedly pilfered bank checks, cards, and personal IDs from motor vehicles across the Metroplex area. They struck fear into small businesses, using stolen cards within minutes at gas stations and convenience stores, and cashing checks at various banks with rented cars.

Fort Lauderdale’s Tobias and Coney, Garland’s Williams, Fort Pierce’s Barfield, Rivera Beach’s Johnson, and Seagoville’s Hendrix are all in the crosshairs. The group’s alleged ringleader, Barfield, remains on the lam as of press time.

The defendants faced their first court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don Bush within days of the charges. Facing up to 30 years for the conspiracy charge alone and additional two years per identity theft count, this is one gang that’s likely to see serious federal time if convicted.

This sordid tale is being investigated by the FBI and Plano Police, with a chorus of local agencies aiding in the chase. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Eason is leading the prosecution.

Remember, a grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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