TALLAHASSEE, FL – A federal jury delivered guilty verdicts today to two former Florida State University students involved in a brazen scheme to defraud banks out of approximately $53,000. Kh’lajuwon Amari Murat, 21, of Miramar, Florida, and Ariel Apperlyn Smith, 22, of Coral Springs, Florida, were convicted after a four-day trial that laid bare their intricate operation. The scheme involved illegally obtained credit and debit card numbers, funneling funds through FSU student accounts, and a calculated effort to exploit the university’s bookstore.
The evidence presented in court revealed a conspiracy orchestrated with Kadeem Telfort, a former University of Florida football player, between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2017. Murat and Telfort allegedly used the dark web and text messaging to pilfer account numbers from unsuspecting victims. These funds were then fraudulently deposited into the accounts of multiple FSU students, including those held by Murat and Smith. Thirteen witnesses, many of whom were former FSU students, testified, and over 300 exhibits were entered into evidence.
The operation wasn’t just about moving money; it was about converting illicit funds into tangible goods. Murat allegedly instructed FSU students to use the fraudulently deposited money to purchase merchandise from the FSU Bookstore. These students, incentivized by the promise of keeping any leftover funds, then handed the merchandise over to Murat and his associates. The arrangement essentially turned students into unwitting accomplices, profiting from stolen money while shielding the core conspirators. The scheme caused significant financial damage to the banks involved, who issued chargebacks due to the disputed fraudulent transactions.
The jury found Murat guilty of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, a staggering 16 counts of bank fraud, and six counts of aggravated identity theft. Smith was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and two counts of bank fraud. The charges carry significant penalties. Murat faces a potential maximum of 20 years in prison for each conspiracy and bank fraud count, plus a mandatory consecutive 2-year minimum sentence for each aggravated identity theft charge. Smith also faces up to 20 years for each conspiracy and bank fraud count.
Sentencing hearings are scheduled for August 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. before Honorable Judge Robert Hinkle at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee. This case underscores the growing threat of financial fraud schemes targeting universities and the vulnerability of student accounts. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Florida State University Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service, demonstrating the importance of interagency cooperation in combating these crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen led the prosecution. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, one of 94 nationwide, is responsible for federal litigation in the region. Court documents are available online through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. Further information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Related Federal Cases
- Larry Malone Sentenced for Bank Fraud, Bainbridge GA, 2014 · Georgia
- Viviane Cazeau, Bank Fraud Scheme, Massachusetts, 2023 · New Hampshire
- John M. Bales, Bank Fraud Conspiracy, Texas, 2023 · South Carolina
- Orlando Pascual Jr., HIV Treatment Medicare Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · Mississippi
- Juan A. Tony Marrero, Medicare Fraud Scheme, Miami FL, 2023 · Mississippi
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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