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Key Role in Cracking Nationwide Fraud Scheme

ALACHUA – The Alachua Police Department (APD) was recently honored in Washington, DC for critical contributions from Lieutenant Jason Moses and Detective Jacob Eady (then with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office), for their instrumental role in dismantling a nationwide fraud scheme. The operation, which spanned multiple agencies, resulted in the arrest and conviction of career criminal Korey Wise, who caused significant financial losses while exploiting vulnerable populations.

This extensive investigation was a collaborative effort involving Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), Amtrak Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Through advanced surveillance, undercover operations, and cross-state coordination, the team unraveled a scheme that targeted minority-owned businesses and exploited at-risk youth to commit fraud.

The investigation not only led to the safe arrests of Wise and Frazier but also to the recovery of stolen funds, amounting to over $500,000 in losses for Amtrak and Trailways.

According to the Amtrak OIG, Korey Wise, a 48-year-old from California, orchestrated the operation by targeting small businesses, particularly those owned by individuals who spoke English as a second language. According to court documents, Wise would call these businesses pretending to be a representative of a utility company calling to collect overdue bills, or posing as an official from a licensing board that oversaw nail salons.

He would tell the business owners that they owed an inspection fee, and if the fee was paid over the telephone with a credit card, the fee would be reduced. Wise would then use the credit card information he collected from his victims to purchase travel reservations on carriers including Amtrak and Trailways. From January 2014 through May 2017, Wise fraudulently purchased approximately $475,910 worth of tickets from Amtrak and Trailways.

In May 2023, Wise pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In January, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by two years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of $475,910.

The Alachua Police Department’s contributions to the case were pivotal in ensuring its successful resolution. Their expertise, teamwork, and dedication to justice earned them recognition for their role in dismantling the fraud operation.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce gathered with city officials, community members, and local business owners on Oct. 30, 2024, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of LisaV Company, a new addition to the heart of downtown Alachua.

Located at 14822 Main Street, LisaV Company offers curated home décor, unique furnishings, and comprehensive interior design services, aiming to bring a fresh, stylish touch to Alachua’s historic Main Street.

The ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, including members of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Gib Coerper and City Commissioner Dayna Williams, who all gathered to officially welcome LisaV Company. As owner Lisa Vega, a seasoned interior designer with a passion for creative spaces, cut the ribbon, attendees applauded the arrival of a business dedicated to both beauty and functionality in home design.

Housed in a restored historic building, LisaV Company’s interior combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The store features carefully selected décor items, furnishings, and a variety of services to help clients bring their design visions to life. From accent pieces and textiles to larger furniture items, the collection reflects Vega’s eye for detail and dedication to quality.

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari expressed enthusiasm about the business’s potential to attract both locals and visitors to downtown Alachua. “LisaV Company adds a wonderful touch to Main Street,” said Boukari. “It’s businesses like this that keep our downtown area thriving and unique.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded with a tour of the shop, where guests browsed the collection and discussed potential design ideas with Vega and her team. Many attendees noted the positive impact a business like LisaV Company can have in drawing visitors to the area and contributing to Alachua’s vibrant downtown culture.

LisaV Company is now open to the public, with Vega and her team ready to assist clients in finding the perfect pieces for their spaces and providing expert advice on interior design.

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ALACHUA ‒ While other parts of the county buzzed with festivities over the weekend, downtown Alachua was alive with its own vibrant celebration on Sunday as the Alachua Main Street Fall Festival took center stage. A community staple since 2003, the festival drew a record crowd to enjoy food, live music, and activities for all ages along the city’s historic Main Street.

Organized by the Alachua Business League (ABL) with support from the City of Alachua and local businesses, the festival is a cornerstone event for the community. Beyond providing entertainment, it serves a meaningful purpose: proceeds from the festival help fund scholarships for local students planning to attend Santa Fe College.

Visitors were greeted by the delicious aroma of kettle corn, BBQ, and other festival favorites as they strolled down Main Street, which was closed to traffic for the occasion. Over 200 vendor booths lined the street, offering everything from handmade crafts and local art to unique services and tasty treats.

Live music echoed through downtown, with local bands providing a dynamic soundtrack for the day. Children giggled and played at activity stations, while adults browsed vendor stalls or enjoyed the many food options.

With parking in high demand, festival-goers took advantage of nearby lots, including downtown’s designated parking areas and spots near Alachua City Hall and Skinner Park. Many walked a few blocks to join the festivities, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

Vendor participation was robust, with spaces filled by local businesses and artisans. The festival’s vendor fees—set at $85 for general vendors, $125 for ride areas, and $150 for food vendors—are kept intentionally low to encourage widespread participation. These fees help cover festival expenses and ensure the event remains free for the public.

The festival’s impact extends well beyond a day of fun. Proceeds go directly to scholarships for local students, easing their path to higher education. Over the years, ABL has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, emphasizing its commitment to investing in the future of the community.

With its mix of fun, community spirit, and philanthropic purpose, the Alachua Main Street Fall Festival continues to be a beloved tradition that captures the essence of Alachua’s small-town charm. For those who missed this year’s event, organizers encourage early planning for next year’s festival, promising even more entertainment and opportunities to support the community.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, the High Springs Community School (HSCS) students in grades 6-8 were able to cast their vote for President in a mock election.

After a month of informational preparation presented in each of the Social Studies classes in the 5-minute bell ringers, students were allowed to register to vote, received a voter registration card, and then, on Election Day, they presented their voter registration card and received a ballot. Students then proceeded to an official voter booth, cast their vote and finally receiving an official “I VOTED” sticker. The 5-minute bell ringers provided unbiased information on the election process in brief.

Information from the very first presidential election, to the history of voting, the primaries and caucuses were explored. Also covered were the history of the two main political parties, their symbols, and beliefs, party conventions and what happens during the campaigns.

Students also learned about the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College, who can be President and Vice President and what to consider when choosing a candidate to support.

And finally, students learned what positions are in a Presidential Cabinet, what happens after an election, what a Lame Duck is, and what happens on Inauguration Day.

The administration and staff at HSCS played a key role in supporting this educational opportunity, with special thanks extended to the Social Studies team for grades 6-8, led by Jennifer Buckner and including Vito Montauk and Bill McMahan. Former teachers Jackie Michael and Terri Burley were also recognized for their contributions to making the program a success.

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Author Terri Burley is a former teacher of 30 years at High Springs Community School and a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) whose main purpose is to install a love of country, patriotism, and to inform the public on the importance of voting.