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What starts with fake Amazon vendors and fraudulent invoices somehow ends with luxury cars, a nearly $1 million home, a proposed hookah lounge, and a forged federal judge’s signature. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, Jasmine unravels the case of Brittany Hudson and Kayricka Wortham, whose Amazon connections helped fuel a scheme that diverted approximately $9.4 million through more than 1,000 fictitious invoices. But getting federally charged didn’t end the story. While out on bond, the pair became involved in another alleged fraud; one that included counterfeit court documents claiming their criminal case had been dismissed. We follow the scheme from the inside access that made it possible to the money, the co-conspirators, the luxury purchases, the federal investigation, Kayricka’s guilty plea, and Brittany’s decision to take 30 federal charges to trial while representing herself. By August 2026, both women were facing more than 16 years in federal prison. ☕ EPISODE DRINK: Blueberry Cheesecake Iced Latte 🧶 Grab your current WIP and settle in, because apparently getting indicted was not enough to make everybody go sit down. This week on Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we’re heading to Atlanta for a fraud case involving Amazon, dozens of fake vendors, more than 1,000 fictitious invoices, and nearly $10 million. Brittany Hudson owned Legend Express LLC, a company contracted to deliver packages for Amazon. Her then-partner, Kayricka Wortham, worked as an operations manager at Amazon’s Smyrna, Georgia warehouse and had authority to approve new vendors and vendor invoice payments. Federal prosecutors said that between January and June 2022, Hudson, Wortham, and their co-conspirators used bogus vendors and fraudulent invoices to cause Amazon to pay approximately $9.4 million into accounts they controlled. The proceeds funded some very expensive purchases, including a nearly $1 million home, a Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Panamera, Tesla Model X, Dodge Durango, and Kawasaki motorcycle. But the Amazon scheme is only half of this story. After Hudson and Wortham were federally charged and released on bond, prosecutors said they tried to enter a franchise agreement to open a hookah lounge in Midtown Atlanta. When the pending criminal case became an issue, the women falsely claimed that the charges had been dismissed and provided counterfeit court documents containing forged judicial signatures. Hudson also provided doctored financial statements with inflated balances. Their bond was revoked. Wortham pleaded guilty and eventually received a combined 17-year federal sentence. Hudson took her case to trial, representing herself with standby counsel. On March 13, 2026, a federal jury convicted her on all 30 felony counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and forging the signature of a federal judge. On August 26, 2026, Hudson was sentenced to 16 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay $9,469,731.45 in restitution to Amazon, and the court entered a $7,859,135.54 forfeiture money judgment. ☕ THIS WEEK’S COFFEE: BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE ICED LATTE Ingredients (24oz) 2 shots espresso1 Tbsp blueberry syrup2 tsp vanilla syrup2 tsp white chocolate sauce5–6 oz milkIceCheesecake Cold Foam 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream1½ Tbsp milk2 tsp vanilla syrup2 tsp white chocolate sauceTopping ½ graham cracker, crushedBlueberry syrup drizzle, optionalDirections Add the blueberry syrup, vanilla syrup, and white chocolate sauce to your cup. Brew two shots of espresso over the syrups and stir until combined. Add 5–6 oz of milk and fill your 24 oz cup with ice. For the cheesecake cold foam, froth the heavy whipping cream, milk, vanilla syrup, and white chocolate sauce until thick but still pourable. Pour over the iced latte. Finish with crushed graham cracker and, if you want a little extra blueberry flavor, a drizzle of blueberry syrup. Then grab your crochet project because we have approximately $9.4 million worth of decisions to discuss. SOURCES & FURTHER READING U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia — Amazon Fraud Defendant Sentenced to More than 16 Years in Federal Prison (August 26, 2026) U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia — Jury Convicts Owner of Amazon Delivery Business for Fraud Schemes and Forging Federal Judge’s Signature (March 17, 2026) U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia — Mastermind of $10 Million Amazon Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison (July 5, 2023) U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia — Former Amazon Employees Plead Guilty to $10 Million Fraud (December 1, 2022) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution — reporting by Rosie Manins on the Amazon fraud prosecution, Brittany Hudson’s trial, conviction, and sentencing. Legal note: This episode discusses allegations, criminal proceedings, guilty pleas, jury verdicts, and sentencing using publicly available court records and reporting. Allegations are identified as such where applicable.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of alleged physical and emotional abuse involving minors. T.M. Landry College Preparatory School looked like a miracle. A tiny private school in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, was sending mostly Black students from working-class families to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Brown, and other elite universities. Viral college acceptance videos turned the school and its founders, Michael and Tracey Landry, into a national success story. Then, in 2018, The New York Times published an investigation alleging physical and emotional abuse, falsified transcripts, invented extracurricular activities, and fabricated or exaggerated hardship stories on students’ college applications. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, Jasmine goes back to the beginning: who Michael and Tracey Landry were before T.M. Landry, how their unconventional school became a viral sensation, what former students and families say was happening behind closed doors, how elite universities responded, the investigations that followed, and what happened to the students afterward. But this story is bigger than fraudulent college applications. Why did so many people need the T.M. Landry story to be true? And why does Black excellence have to look like a miracle before America pays attention? Sources & Further Reading/Viewing • Katie Benner & Erica L. Green, Miracle Children: Race, Education, and a True Story of False Promises • The New York Times, reporting by Erica L. Green and Katie Benner on T.M. Landry College Preparatory School • Accepted, documentary directed by Dan Chen • Additional local reporting, interviews, public records, police and court records, and investigative materials are cited and attributed throughout the episode. A note on reporting: Allegations are identified as allegations where appropriate. This episode distinguishes between allegations and personal accounts, documented legal proceedings, and the findings or outcomes of investigations.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION  What happens when healthcare turns into a hustle? In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, we’re breaking down the $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme led by Brandon Sims and members of his own family. This case goes beyond fraud. It raises questions about trust, image, and the systems meant to protect vulnerable communities. Reports suggest Sims also presented himself as a successful entrepreneur, adding another layer to a story that already feels too calculated to be coincidence.  We’re unpacking: How the scheme workedThe role of family in the operationThe real impact of Medicaid fraudAnd how image can be used to build credibility in scamsPlus, this week’s iced coffee is The Paper Trail Latte; and yes, the full recipe is below When does a hustle become harm? Main Topics Covered: Overview of the $12 million Medicaid fraud schemeHow Medicaid fraud operations typically workThe involvement of multiple family membersThe role of perceived success and public imageThe broader impact on patients and healthcare systemsIced Coffee of the Week: The Paper Trail Latte Flavor vibe: smooth, rich, layered… but a little sneaky  Ingredients (24 oz) 2 tsp Nescafé Blonde (or mocha for a deeper flavor)3 oz hot water1 oz vanilla syrup (use your Mexican vanilla 👀)1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk1 tbsp dulce de leche sauce (plus extra for lining the cup)Ice (ALWAYS last, we stand on that)Oat milk (fill to top)Optional Cold Foam 2 oz half & halfSplash of vanilla syrupInstructions Dissolve instant coffee in hot waterStir in vanilla syrup + condensed milkLine your cup with dulce de lecheFill cup with icePour coffee mixture over iceTop with oat milkAdd cold foam and drizzle more dulce de leche on topSip or Spill Question If someone builds an image of success while committing fraud behind the scenes… Is that just part of the scam, or does it cross into something deeper? SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them. Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE SOURCES U.S. Department of Justice press releasesLocal Houston news coverageCourt documents and indictmentsPublic records related to Medicaid fraud investigationsDISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All information is based on publicly available sources. Allegations discussed are based on reported findings and legal proceedings. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research.

Hey BC3 Crew, no new episode last week so we're bringing back one of the most requested stories. This is the twisted tale of Daylon Pierce, a romance scammer who left a trail of heartbreak and bounced checks across the country. If you missed it the first time, here’s your chance to catch up. An don't worry, a brand new episode is coming this Tuesday as we continue the Love, Lies, and Laundering series. You do not want to miss what’s next. Daylon Pierce wasn’t your average online dater. He posed as a wealthy stockbroker looking for love… and ended up scamming multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.In this episode, Jasmine unpacks the charming deception, the heartbreak, and the massive financial fraud behind Pierce’s “romance investments.” Plus: iced coffee vibes, a crochet update, and a conversation about why judging scam victims misses the point. We’re sipping Sweet Talker Lattes and stitching our way through the twisted tale of Daylon Pierce, an Arizona-based romance scammer who used dating apps to charm, manipulate, and con multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.I’m breaking down: How Daylon Pierce built his fake financial empire on lies and love-bombingThe women who trusted him and what they lostHow he was caught and sentencedThis episode is part true crime deep-dive, part love life PSA; so grab your iced coffee, your latest WIP, and settle in. Drink of the Episode: Sweet Talker Latte (caramel, cinnamon, vanilla) SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them. Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE

Romance scammers do not just rely on fake profiles and sweet messages. They rely on infrastructure. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we continue the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Badetito Obafemi, a Georgia man who acted as a money mule in a multi state romance fraud scheme. From 2016 to 2018, victims in Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey believed they were sending money to men they loved. Instead, more than $300,000 was routed through bank accounts tied to Obafemi and his businesses. He did not write the love letters, but he made sure the money moved. This episode breaks down how the scam worked, how smaller operators fit inside larger international fraud networks, and why money mules are critical to keeping romance scams alive. We examine the investigation, indictment, guilty plea, and sentencing, and discuss what this case reveals about the business side of emotional exploitation. This is Week 2 of the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series. In this episode, we examine the role of Badetito Obafemi in a romance fraud ring that targeted vulnerable victims across multiple states. Victims were contacted through social media and dating platforms and convinced they were in legitimate romantic relationships. Over time, they were manipulated into sending large sums of money to help with fabricated emergencies, overseas business ventures, medical crises, and legal troubles. Rather than wiring funds directly overseas, victims were instructed to send money to U.S. based bank accounts controlled by Obafemi. Through personal and business accounts, he laundered more than $300,000 in victim funds before distributing the proceeds to co conspirators and keeping a portion for himself. In 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Obafemi on multiple fraud and money laundering charges. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2025, he was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $311,000 in restitution. This episode explores how romance scams function as organized financial systems and why money mules play a crucial role in sustaining international fraud networks. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER How romance scammers build trust with victims The role of money mules in fraud operations Shell companies and laundering tactics The multi state impact of the scheme Federal investigation and sentencing Why smaller operators still cause large harm ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Iced Latte This one tastes like dessert in a glass. Sweet. Smooth. Slightly rich. Exactly the kind of drink that makes you forget you are about to hear about financial crimes. Ingredients 1 cup strong cold brew or double strength coffee, fully chilled 1 cup ice 3/4 cup oat milk or milk of choice 1 oz Torani Cheesecake Syrup 1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup 1 tablespoon half and half or heavy cream Optional whipped cream Instructions Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the cold brew over the ice. Add 1 oz Torani Cheesecake Syrup. Add 1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup. Pour in the oat milk. Add the half and half for extra richness. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully combined. Top with whipped cream if you want the full bakery experience. It is sweet. It is comforting. It feels indulgent. But underneath that sweetness is a reminder that not everything that looks rich is built honestly. SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them. Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE SOURCES United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri. “Georgia Man Sentenced for Role in $300,000 Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, April 9, 2025. United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri. “Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, April 18, 2024. United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri. “Georgia Man Indicted for Role in Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, July 27, 2021. United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. United States v. Badetito Oluwaseun Obafemi. Case filings, indictment, plea agreement, and sentencing documents. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Public statements related to romance scams and the Money Mule Initiative. United States Department of Justice. Money Mule Initiative announcements and enforcement summaries. Federal Trade Commission. Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, reports on romance scam losses and trends. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Internet Crime Complaint Center Annual Reports on romance fraud statistics.

Romance scams are usually framed as lonely people tricked by fake lovers online. But behind those fake profiles are real systems moving real money. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we open the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Nadine Jazimne Wade, a Bronx woman who laundered millions of dollars for an international romance scam ring. Prosecutors say Wade used shell companies and bank accounts to move more than two million dollars taken from victims who believed they were helping someone they loved. She did not catfish the victims herself, but her role made the scheme possible by turning emotional manipulation into usable cash. This episode breaks down how the laundering operation worked, how the larger fraud ring functioned, and why her sentence mattered in the broader fight against romance fraud. It also examines why this case stands out and what it reveals about the infrastructure behind online romance scams. SHOW NOTES In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we begin the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Nadine Jazimne Wade. Wade was convicted for laundering millions of dollars connected to an international romance fraud operation. While victims believed they were sending money to someone they loved, prosecutors say their funds were being routed through bank accounts and shell companies controlled by Wade and her associates. This episode explores how romance scams depend on more than just fake profiles and emotional manipulation. It examines the financial infrastructure behind these schemes and the role played by people who never spoke to the victims but made the crimes possible. We break down Wade’s background, her involvement in the laundering network, how the larger fraud ring operated, and how federal investigators uncovered the scheme. We also discuss why her sentence was significant and what her case reveals about the hidden business side of romance fraud. This episode sets the foundation for understanding how love based scams function as organized financial systems rather than isolated acts of deception. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER The structure of international romance scam rings How money laundering supports online fraud Nadine Jazimne Wade’s role in moving stolen funds The use of shell companies and bank accounts Federal charges and sentencing Why this case stands out in romance fraud prosecutions ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE The False Promise Latte Strong coffee, vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, oat milk, ice, and a pinch of sea salt. Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. Sources: U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of New York – Press Release: Bronx Woman Sentenced To 63 Months In Prison For Laundering Over $2 Million For African Romance Scammers (May 28, 2025)U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of New York – Press Release: 6 Defendants Charged With Laundering Millions Of Dollars In Proceeds Derived From Romance Scams (June 2, 2021)Audacy/1010 WINS News – Bronx woman guilty in $2M fake romance scheme, used 'Francisco' alias to scam elderly (2025)Inner City Press – After Romance Scam Guilty Verdict in SDNY… (Trial coverage by Matthew Russell Lee, Dec 2023)The Federal Newswire – Bronx woman sentenced for laundering over $2 million in romance scam (May 28, 2025)

If you'd like to fill out the listener survey for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift card, or just to help me out, you can do so HERE EPISODE DESCRIPTION Brittish Williams built a public image as a reality TV star and entrepreneur, but behind the scenes she was committing years of financial fraud involving stolen Social Security numbers, false tax filings, and pandemic loan programs. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we revisit Brittish Williams now that her story has reached a new chapter after her release from federal prison. We break down how her schemes worked, the charges she faced, and the sentence that followed. We also include background Brittish shared in her interview with Carlos King, where she talked about her upbringing, family instability, college struggles, and how a gambling addiction shaped her financial decisions. This episode closes out the New Year, Same Scams series with a case that sits at the intersection of fame, desperation, and internet hustle culture. SHOW NOTES In this episode, we examine the rise and fall of Brittish Williams, from reality television to federal court, as the final chapter of the New Year, Same Scams series. Brittish Williams became known through Basketball Wives LA and later built a brand as a businesswoman and radio personality. While presenting a successful public image, she was also engaged in multiple fraud schemes that spanned several years. Federal investigators charged her with bank fraud, wire fraud, misuse of Social Security numbers, and making false statements to the IRS. Prosecutors said she used fake identities to open credit lines and bank accounts, lied on tax returns, submitted false medical claims, and fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds. This episode also draws from Brittish Williams’ interview with Carlos King, where she described her upbringing, her college plans, and the moment her education derailed when her mother stopped her student loan. She also spoke openly about her gambling addiction and how it influenced her financial behavior. As the closing episode of the New Year, Same Scams series, this case brings together many of the themes explored throughout the season, including credit fraud, identity misuse, lifestyle pressure, and the normalization of financial shortcuts online. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER Brittish Williams’ background and early life Her rise through reality television and entrepreneurship The fraud schemes involving Social Security numbers, banks, and tax filings Pandemic loan and rent relief fraud Her sentencing and early release Her own explanations from the Carlos King interview Why this case closes out the New Year, Same Scams series ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE Second Chance Iced Latte Strong coffee, brown sugar syrup, oat milk, cinnamon, and ice. SIP OR SPILL Does serving time mean someone deserves a clean slate, or does financial crime permanently change how we see them? Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think. SOURCES United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri. Press releases and court documents regarding the indictment, guilty plea, sentencing, and restitution order for Brittish Williams. United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri. Criminal case filings, plea agreement, and sentencing memorandum in United States v. Brittish Williams. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Public statements and investigative summaries related to the fraud schemes involving pandemic relief funds and synthetic identity fraud. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Guidance and reporting on tax fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers tied to the case. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Public warnings and documentation on misuse of Social Security numbers and identity based fraud schemes. St. Louis Post Dispatch. Coverage of Brittish Williams’ indictment, guilty plea, sentencing, and appeal. Associated Press. Reporting on Brittish Williams’ fraud conviction and federal prison sentence. Forbes, Frank McKenna. Analysis articles on synthetic identity fraud and Credit Privacy Numbers. VH1 and Basketball Wives LA. Public background information on Brittish Williams’ media career. Carlos King interview with Brittish Williams. Primary source interview discussing her upbringing, education, gambling addiction, and explanations of her financial decisions.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION Credit Privacy Numbers are often sold as a shortcut to financial freedom, privacy, and a clean slate. But when CPNs move beyond credit repair scams and into government programs like Medicaid, the consequences turn federal fast. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we break down the Medicaid CPN ring and how synthetic identities were created using stolen personal information. We explain what CPNs really are, how they are marketed online, why they are illegal, and how they were used to exploit Medicaid systems and financial institutions. We walk through how these schemes operate, who they harm, and why both the sellers and users of CPNs face serious criminal charges. This episode also explores how desperation, misinformation, and social media hustle culture blur the line between empowerment and fraud. Grab your iced coffee, because this one is layered. SHOW NOTES In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we take a deep dive into the world of CPNs and how they crossed over from credit repair scams into full blown Medicaid fraud. What starts as a promise of financial privacy quickly turns into identity theft, synthetic identities, and federal charges. We break down how Credit Privacy Numbers are marketed online, why they are illegal, and how they were used to exploit Medicaid systems and vulnerable populations. This episode walks through the mechanics of the Medicaid CPN ring, how stolen identities were used to create fake profiles, and how federal investigators unraveled the scheme. We also talk about the real consequences for both the people running these operations and the unsuspecting individuals whose identities were pulled into the fraud. As always, we pause for iced coffee, unpack the ethics behind so called financial shortcuts, and ask whether the internet has normalized fraud under the banner of empowerment.  IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERWhat CPNs actually are and where they came fromWhy CPNs are illegal under federal lawHow CPNs connect to synthetic identity fraudHow Medicaid data was exploited in this ringThe difference between credit repair and credit fraudWhy these schemes disproportionately impact Black and low income communitiesWhat federal charges typically follow CPN related fraudICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE Brown Sugar Cinnamon Iced Shaken Espresso Strong coffee, brown sugar, cinnamon, oat milk, and ice. Sweet, bold, and a little shady. SIP OR SPILL: Is using a CPN really taking control of your financial future, or is it fraud wrapped in good marketing? LISTENER SURVEY Your voice matters. Take the listener survey linked below to help shape future episodes, series topics, and bonus content. The survey is anonymous and helps keep the podcast aligned with what you actually want to hear. Fill it out HERE for a chance to win the $20 Amazon Gift Card. Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram: Follow Me FB: Follow Me TikTok: Follow Me Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think.  SOURCES United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office. Press release detailing conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft involving synthetic identities and CPNs tied to Medicaid recipients. United States Department of Justice. Criminal information and plea agreements related to the Medicaid synthetic identity fraud scheme involving stolen personal data. Federal Trade Commission. Consumer warnings on Credit Privacy Numbers, file segregation, and new credit identity scams. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Reports and analysis on synthetic identity fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers in credit systems. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Public guidance on misuse of Social Security numbers and identity theft schemes. Forbes, Frank McKenna. Articles detailing the origin of CPNs and their connection to synthetic identity fraud. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Educational resources on credit repair scams and identity theft.

HEY BC3 CREW!  Last week I uploaded the listener survey last week but hadn't considered BOTS. I guess that means I made it lol. But if you tried filling it out last week and saw that it wasn't accepting responses, that's because I had to figure out how to weed them out. Hopefully, it's figured out now so PLEASE fill it out for me and be entered into the gift card giveaway! You can fill it out HERE Okay now back to business! Banks and lenders rely on accurate information from credit bureaus to decide who gets approved and who gets denied. But what happens when the people feeding information into that system decide to lie for profit? In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, Jasmine continues the New Year, Same Scams series by breaking down the operation run by Edwin Jacquet and Denise Hudson.  Working through two companies, Highway Furniture and New York Funding Group, they became official data furnishers with credit bureaus and used that access to add fake positive tradelines, erase real negative accounts, and artificially inflate thousands of credit scores. The scheme allowed customers to qualify for tens of millions of dollars in loans, mortgages, credit cards, and financing they never should have received. When the debts went bad, lenders were left with more than nine million dollars in losses, and the conspirators ended up in federal prison. This episode explains how the scheme worked, how they gained access to the credit system, why the fraud went undetected for so long, and what it means for anyone tempted to pay for shortcuts to a better credit score.  In today’s episode, Jasmine takes listeners inside the credit system itself. Instead of disputing accounts from the outside, this case focuses on what happens when fraudsters sit in the same position as legitimate lenders and abuse that power to manipulate credit reports for money. Iced Coffee of the Week Clean Slate Caramel Cold Brew Ingredients: 1 to 2 tablespoons caramel sauceIce6 ounces strong cold brew or chilled coffee4 ounces milk or non dairy milk1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla syrupInstructions: Add the caramel sauce to the bottom of your cup.Add a handful of ice.Pour in the cold brew.Add the milk.Stir until the caramel dissolves into the drink.Taste and adjust sweetness with vanilla syrup if needed.Optional: Drizzle more caramel around the inside of the cup before adding ice for a layered look. This episode covers the multi year credit fraud scheme created by Edwin Jacquet and Denise Hudson through their companies, Highway Furniture and New York Funding Group. By becoming official data furnishers, they gained the ability to report account information directly to credit bureaus. Once inside the system, they created fake tradelines showing perfect payment history for customers who had never opened those accounts. They also used dispute tools to remove or alter legitimate negative information. The result was a sudden jump in clients’ credit scores, allowing them to obtain millions in loans and credit they would not have qualified for otherwise. The scheme operated at scale, affecting thousands of credit files and leading to more than nine million dollars in confirmed financial losses when the fraudulent debts defaulted. Investigators later described the scheme as one of the largest credit repair fraud cases ever prosecuted.  What You Will Hear In This Episode How the conspirators became official data furnishersHow fake tradelines were built and inserted into consumer credit filesHow real negative debts were deleted or overwrittenHow customers used the inflated scores to obtain mortgages, auto loans, and credit cardsHow the scheme grew to tens of millions in fraudulent approvalsThe consequences for everyone involvedSip or Spill Question If you could wipe your credit clean overnight, knowing someone was lying to the bureaus to make it happen, would you still press the button? Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram: Follow Me FB: Follow Me TikTok: Follow Me Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think.  SOURCES United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. Press release announcing the indictment of Edwin Jacquet, Peter Romeo, Edwin J. Mansour Jr., and Denise Hudson for operating a fraudulent credit repair scheme through Highway Furniture and New York Funding Group. July 25, 2011. United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. “Leader Of Fraudulent Credit Repair Scheme Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court,” detailing Edwin Jacquet’s guilty plea. March 21, 2012. United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. “Participant In Multi Million Dollar Fraudulent Credit Repair Scheme Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court To 51 Months In Prison,” detailing sentencing for Edwin J. Mansour Jr. and Denise Hudson. March 20, 2013. United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. Sentencing press release for Denise Hudson and restitution order in the Highway Furniture and New York Funding case. March 2013. United States v. Jacquet et al., Southern District of New York. Criminal charging documents and plea agreements related to the fraudulent credit repair scheme conducted through Highway Furniture Inc. and New York Funding Group Inc. United States v. Mansour Jr., Southern District of New York. Case background summarizing the fake tradeline scheme, furnisher manipulation, and negative item deletion. Frank on Fraud. “Synthetic Identity’s New Shell Game – Fake Tradelines,” analysis of the Highway Furniture and New York Funding scheme and its impact on lenders. April 30, 2021. Experian and TransUnion furnisher program documentation noting how data furnishers access and report consumer information, referenced in DOJ descriptions of the scheme.

If you'd like to fill out the listener survey for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift card, or just to help me out, you can do so HERE Every January, people promise themselves a fresh start, especially when it comes to money and credit. But for thousands of consumers, the promise of fast credit repair turned into years of financial damage and federal prison sentences. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, Jasmine kicks off the New Year, Same Scams series with a deep dive into one of the longest running credit repair fraud operations in the United States, led by Kevin Edward Hargrave and his wife Latrese Hargrave. For more than fifteen years, the Hargraves ran a revolving door of credit repair businesses, charged illegal upfront fees, filed false identity theft disputes, ignored federal court orders, and continued scamming consumers even after being permanently banned from the industry. What started as a so called credit repair service eventually became a federal conspiracy involving wire fraud, tax fraud, and millions of dollars in losses. This episode breaks down how the scheme worked, why it targeted financially vulnerable communities, and how ignoring the fine print can cost more than money. It can cost your freedom. In today’s episode, Jasmine launches a brand new podcast series, New Year, Same Scams, by unpacking the true story behind one of the most persistent credit repair fraud operations ever prosecuted. Iced Coffee of the Week Vanilla almond milk cold brew with white chocolate and a splash of caramel. Smooth, dependable, and exactly how credit repair should be. Slow, boring, and legal. Case Overview This episode focuses on Kevin Edward Hargrave and Latrese Hargrave, a married couple who jointly operated multiple credit repair businesses that falsely promised consumers fast and guaranteed credit score improvements. Despite being warned, sued, fined, and permanently banned from the credit repair industry by the federal government, the Hargraves continued operating under new business names and front companies for years. Sip or Spill Question If the credit system was not built for you, is it wrong to look for shortcuts? Where does survival end and fraud begin, especially when fast fixes feel like the only option?  Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think. SOURCES Kevin Edward Hargrave and Latrese Hargrave Department of Justice, Middle District of Florida Georgia man sentenced to five years in prison for tax fraud and operation of bogus credit repair businesses Press release dated February 2, 2024 United States v. Kevin Edward Hargrave Criminal Information and Plea Agreement Case No. 3:22 cr 113, Middle District of Florida Federal Trade Commission v. Latrese and Kevin Enterprises Inc. United States District Court, Middle District of Florida Case No. 3:08 cv 1001 FTC Complaint and Permanent Injunction Federal Trade Commission Court halts credit repair scammers in response to FTC contempt charges Press release dated June 7, 2012 Civil Contempt Order Federal Trade Commission v. Latrese and Kevin Enterprises Inc. Judgment ordering 6.4 million dollars in consumer redress Issued November 19, 2012 Florida Times Union After years of complaints Jacksonville credit repair firm boss draws five year prison term Coverage of sentencing and case background Get Out of Debt Guy Steve Rhode Analysis of Hargrave credit repair contempt case and FTC enforcement history Better Business Bureau WSA Optimization Firm Inc business profile and consumer complaints Court records and sentencing memoranda United States District Court, Middle District of Florida

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey left thousands of students displaced across Texas. But amid the chaos and crisis, one man found an opportunity. Sidney Bouvier Gilstrap-Portley, a 25-year-old former college athlete, posed as a 17-year-old high school student to relive his basketball dreams, and ended up stealing more than a spot on the varsity roster. This week on Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, Jasmine unpacks how Gilstrap-Portley enrolled at two Dallas high schools, lived a double life as a teen, and manipulated a system already stretched thin from disaster. From game stats to criminal charges, we’re breaking down how he pulled it off, how he got caught, and why the scandal hit harder than just a forged birth certificate. Pull up with your iced coffee. We’re talking basketball, betrayal, and the dangerous privilege of blending in.  This Week’s Blend: Iced Coffee of the Week: Brown Sugar Mocha Dream Cold Brew Crochet Project of the Week: Another update and a sweater cowl In This Episode: The climate of Hurricane Harvey and how it enabled enrollment loopholesWho Sidney Bouvier Gilstrap-Portley really was and how he reinvented himselfThe timeline of his enrollment at Hillcrest High School and Skyline High SchoolHow he joined the basketball team and gained trust as “Rashaun Richardson”The inappropriate relationship with a minor that raised red flagsThe school district’s handling of the investigation and falloutBroader implications of adult impersonation, school safety, and groomingCommentary on male entitlement, nostalgia, and performance as identitySip or Spill: Would you have spoken up if your high school teammate seemed… too grown? Or would you have stayed quiet, thinking maybe I’m just imagining it? Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet YouTube: WATCH HERE Sources Used for This Episode: Sports Explains the World Pocast: The Imposter Part 1The Dallas Morning News: “Man accused of posing as Hillcrest High basketball player had stint at Skyline too”Washington Post: “Man posed as Texas high school student to play basketball, police say”New York Times: “Former College Athlete Posed as a Teen to Play High School Basketball”Dallas ISD Press Release and School Safety StatementsTexas court records and local police reportsCommentary from school safety experts and educational policy analystsArchived social media content and sports footage of Hillcrest High

Hey Everyone! Thank you so much for being patient with me during the end of the semester! I'm back on track. I give an update at the beginning of the episode. In This Episode The rise of William Tank Black from college coach to trusted NFL and NBA agent How personal loyalty and father figure dynamics were used to bypass financial scrutiny The three major fraud schemes tied to Tank Black including offshore Ponzi investments, BAOA stock fraud, and Cayman Islands fund diversion The role of Professional Management Incorporated and affiliated entities in concealing misconduct The emotional and financial devastation experienced by athletes like Fred Taylor Peggy Fulford’s long running affinity fraud targeting professional athletes How fabricated Harvard credentials and a no fee strategy created false trust The systematic laundering of millions through dozens of bank accounts Victim impact involving Ricky Williams, Dennis Rodman, Travis Best, and Lex Hilliard Why Fulford received the statutory maximum sentence and what her early release means A comparison of how parental language and emotional safety were weaponized in both cases The broader pattern of athlete vulnerability and systemic failures in financial oversight Red flags every high earner should recognize before handing over control This Week’s Blend Iced Coffee of the Week: Mocha Hustle Cold Brew Ingredients 1 cup cold brew coffee ½ cup chocolate oat milk or regular milk 1 tablespoon caramel syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup Ice to fill a 16 to 20 ounce glass Optional: Light dusting of cocoa powder Bold, smooth, and deceptively sweet. Perfect for an episode about trust that looks good on the surface and collapses underneath. Crochet Project of the Week Husband Sweater Update Sip or Spill Would you ever trust someone with your finances simply because they felt like family, or is that now the biggest red flag of all? Support and Connect with BC³ Instagram, Facebook, TikTok @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon JOIN HERE If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a 5 Star rating on Spotify, commenting on episodes and leaving 5 star ratings and review on Apple Podcasts as well as supporting on Patreon for bonus content, extended commentary, and behind the scenes updates. Sources Used for This Episode Securities and Exchange Commission litigation releases related to William Tank Black and James A. Franklin Jr Sports Illustrated Vault reporting on the Tank Black fraud Department of Justice press releases and court records on William Tank Black Intellex Forensics analysis on athlete financial exploitation Investor.gov educational materials on Ponzi schemes Department of Justice press releases on Peggy Ann Fulford Federal court records from the Southern District of Texas Courthouse News Service reporting on Dennis Rodman fraud case The Guardian coverage of Peggy Fulford’s sentencing and release American Greed episode coverage featuring Peggy Fulford Legal and financial industry analysis on affinity fraud in professional sports

**DISCLAIMER** Hey BC3 Crew! I wanted to take the time to address two reviews that I've gotten. I realize that I tend to overuse "umm" throughout the show. I am working on it and took the time to edit this episode so that the filler words have been removed. I will definitely keep that in mind moving forward, but thank you all so much for the opportunity to improve every episode! The checks stopped. The pain lingered. And the playbook for fraud took center stage. This week on Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, Jasmine uncovers two massive healthcare schemes led by former pro athletes. Terrence Williams and Robert McCune weren’t just scamming insurance companies, they were defrauding the very systems meant to support them and their teammates after retirement. Jasmine unpacks how these brotherhoods broke bad, why financial desperation thrives in sports, and what these scams reveal about the dark side of life after the game. Grab your coffee and your crochet hook. We are talking pain, power, and the price of hustle. This Week’s Blend Iced Coffee of the Week: Mocha Hustle Cold Brew. Before we lace up and hit the field, let’s sip on something that fits the mood. Today’s blend is The Mocha Hustle Cold Brew — strong, smooth, and deceptively sweet. How to Make It: 1 cup cold brew coffee½ cup chocolate oat milk (or regular milk if you prefer)1 tablespoon caramel syrup1 teaspoon vanilla syrupIce to fill your 16–20 oz glassOptional: dust cocoa powder on topIt’s bold, it’s indulgent, and it’ll keep you sharp while we talk about players who fumbled their integrity, not just the ball. In This Episode The NFL Health Care Benefit Program fraud scheme led by former linebacker Robert McCuneTerrence Williams and the NBA Health and Welfare Benefit Plan conspiracyHow fake invoices and fake clinics funneled millions from player benefit plansThe quiet loyalty among athletes that helped these schemes growWhat these cases reveal about post-career insecurity, financial pressure and trustSentencing outcomes, lessons in accountability and a glimpse into what retirement looks like when the checks stop comingSip or Spill Do you think former athletes face enough support to avoid these kinds of desperate decisions? Or is this just a case of greed over gratitude? Support and Connect with BC³ Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Join here Sources Referenced in This Episode U.S. Department of Justice press releases and court filings NFL indictment press release Superseding indictment press release Full indictment for Terrence WilliamsESPN and USA Today coverage on charges and sentencingSDNY court filings and plea agreementsAdditional commentary from sports finance experts and legal analysts

Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi, flaunted wealth like it was a full-time job. From Gucci robes and private jets to Richard Mille watches and luxury penthouses, he sold a rags-to-riches story that captured millions online. But behind the clout was an international web of fraud, deception, and staggering financial crimes. This week on Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, Jasmine breaks down how Hushpuppi went from Lagos street hustler to Instagram icon and global cybercriminal. We dig into the four major scams he was involved in, how the FBI tracked him through his social media posts, and what his downfall reveals about online flex culture and digital fraud. Pull up with your iced coffee. We're talking wealth, wire fraud, and what it means when internet fame is built on a lie. This Week’s Blend: Iced Coffee of the Week: The Fraudulent Flex The “Fraudulent Flex” Iced Coffee 1 cup of cold brew (strong enough to handle drama)½ cup of oat milk or whatever milk you love1 tablespoon brown sugar syrupA dash of vanilla extractA splash of heavy cream or coconut cream on topShake it over ice and pour into your cutest tumblerOptional: sprinkle a little cinnamon or edible gold dust if you’re feeling Hushpuppi-level extra. Sip slow. Side-eye faster. Crochet Project of the Week: A very special update! In This Episode: The early life of Ramon Abbas and the “Yahoo Boy” scammer subculture How Hushpuppi built an influencer persona through wealth and status Detailed breakdowns of four major frauds, including: $14.7M Maltese bank heist$124M scam attempt on a UK Premier League team$922K law firm scam$15M fake Qatari school loan con Dubai’s Fox Hunt 2 raid and FBI extradition How his IG trail led to a federal conviction Commentary on scam culture, clout chasing, and consequencesSip or Spill: Would you get a loan if the loan officer told you there was an upfront fee? Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Join here Sources Used for This Episode: U.S. Department of Justice press releases (justice.gov) FBI Criminal Complaint: United States v. Ramon Olorunwa Abbas Forbes: “How Instagram Star Hushpuppi Was Arrested” CNN International: Coverage on Fox Hunt 2 Bloomberg: Reports on global BEC fraud BBC Africa: Analysis on Nigerian scam culture and youth unemployment YouTube documentaries and breakdowns (e.g. Wondery’s Scamfluencers, BBC Africa Eye) Court transcripts and filings via PACER Interpol and Dubai Police official statements Archived IG posts via Wayback Machine and news screenshots

Dana Chanel branded herself as a faith-based mogul, the face behind Sprinkle of Jesus, Credit Exterminators, and Alakazam Apps. But behind the curated Instagram grid and family-first entrepreneur image were lawsuits, unfulfilled promises, and accusations of exploitation. This week on Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, Jasmine unpacks how Dana used spirituality and sleek branding to build a business empire, how it all unraveled under legal pressure, and what it says about trust, community, and the influencer economy. Pull up with your iced latte. We’re talking faith, fraud, and the fallout.   This Week’s Blend:Iced Coffee of the Week: Cold Brew Caramel Mocha Oat LatteCrochet Project of the Week: Hilarious Polo UpdateIn This Episode:The rise of Dana Chanel and her Christian entrepreneur brandHow Sprinkle of Jesus grew into a multi-business influencer empireWhat really happened with Credit Exterminators and Alakazam AppsLawsuit, settlement, and community backlashCommentary on influencer trust, faith-based branding, and financial harm in Black communitiesSip or Spill: Would you trust a business more if it used faith, family, or cultural values to market itself, or does that now raise a red flag? Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: HERE Facebook Discussion Group: Join here Videos Refrenced in This Episode Is Dana Chanel Really Scamming Black Small Business Owners? | TSR Investigates Social media influencer, Philly-based companies sued for misleading customers DANA CHANEL & PRINCE DONNELL JESUS SCAM ARTISTS?Prince Donnell/Dana Chanel's NASTY Credit Score Exterminators Repair SCAM ft. Earn Your Leisure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65QZcKND71w&t=25s  Sources Used for This EpisodePennsylvania Attorney General Press Release on Dana Chanel Lawsuit www.attorneygeneral.govEntrepreneur.com – “Christian Influencer Accused of Fraud Ordered to Pay $90K” entrepreneur.comFOX29 Philadelphia – “Social media influencer accused of scamming Black-owned businesses” fox29.comPhillyVoice – “Instagram influencer Dana Chanel settles with Pennsylvania AG” phillyvoice.comYouTube commentary and victim testimonials (via creators like Robby Blue and Anti-MLM channels)Reddit threads and Facebook group discussions documenting customer experiencesSprinkle of Jesus and Alakazam Apps archived content (via Wayback Machine and app store reviews)