8 arrested in check fraud investigation targeting Manatee County churches

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - Eight people have been arrested in a check fraud investigation that targeted churches across Manatee County, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives said donation checks meant for local congregations were stolen from mailboxes and cashed by a group of suspects. Seven more suspects are still wanted.Detectives said the checks were stolen from mailboxes and deposited into the suspects’ own accounts, often using mobile banking. Investigators said money people intended as church donations ended up in other people’s bank accounts.Suspects had no connection to churchesDetective Rachael Fossaceca said the suspects had no ties to the churches.“The suspects were not connected to the churches. They were not parishioners. They did not work for the church. They targeted the churches,” Fossaceca said.Investigation began in December 2025The investigation started in December 2025, when Harvest United Methodist Church in Lakewood Ranch noticed a drop i