PRESS RELEASE

December 18, 2024

INVESTIGATORS MAKE ARREST IN BAIL BONDING SCAM

Etowah County Sheriff's Investigators have arrested a suspect following reports of a bail bonding scam that targeted local residents, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

The suspect, identified as Karen Ann Holderfield, 36, of Crossville, Alabama, has been arrested and faces two counts of Theft of Property in the Fourth Degree (TOP 4), with additional charges pending, states Investigator Trent Green.

The investigation began when victims reported being contacted by an individual posing as a bail bondsman. The victims were told that a family member was in jail and needed bail money to secure their release. After sending an initial payment, victims discovered their family members were not released. When they inquired further, the suspect claimed there was another outstanding warrant and demanded additional payments.

Victims sent money through a CashApp accoun. After the payments were made, the family members still were not released, and the suspect stopped responding to calls. Investigators tracked the CashApp account, identified the suspect, and took her into custody.

Sheriff Jonathon Horton urges anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar scam to come forward. Several names were associated with the suspect's CashApp account, and investigators are working to identify additional victims.

"This kind of fraud preys on the trust and concern of families during moments of vulnerability," said Sheriff Horton. "Our office is committed to ensuring justice for the victims and holding individuals accountable for these deceitful acts."

If you have any information or believe you have been a victim of this scam, please contact the Etowah County Sheriff's Office at (256)546-2825, tipline@etowahcounty.org or CrimeStoppers at (334)215-STOP.

HOLDERFIELD