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An investigation in La Porte County, Indiana, has uncovered an alleged inside fraud ring at a Michigan City Hardee’s that funneled stolen customer card information into jail communications accounts to help inmates post bond. Authorities say the scheme, carried out over several weeks this summer, moved nearly $14,700 through institutional payment channels and led to multiple arrests.
La Porte County detectives began probing unusual deposits in inmate accounts after jail staff noticed large sums arriving from external sources. The funds were routed into inmates’ **Securus accounts** — the vendor used for commissary and communication services — then used to post bond; remaining balances were later withdrawn from a **jail-issued debit card** once the inmates were released, the sheriff’s office says.
How investigators say the scheme worked
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According to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, the pattern emerged in August and September when several drive‑thru customers’ payment cards were photographed by restaurant employees. Those card details were allegedly used without authorization to load money into the Securus accounts of detainees with low bond amounts.
Once funds cleared, the accused inmates reportedly posted bond and were taken to local ATMs to withdraw what remained on the issued debit cards. Detectives describe the operation as a coordinated attempt to convert illicitly obtained card payments into cash outside the normal financial system.
Who has been charged
Detectives traced the activity to a network that included current or former Hardee’s staff and others. The sheriff’s office identified 10 people connected to the scheme and sought arrest warrants charging them with fraud-related offenses.
- Darrien R. Ward — fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Prince C. Arnold — fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Kristin R. Vanschoyck — fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Madison M. Zuk — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Anisa C. Higginbotham — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Hollie D. Lachapelle — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Carissa A. Bealor — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Lawrence Armstrong — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Moesha Monique Savanna Payne — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity
- Dylnn V. Scott — conspiracy to commit fraud; criminal organizational activity (still wanted)
La Porte County detectives, working with the Warrants Division, the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force, have arrested nine of the suspects. Authorities say Dylnn V. Scott remains at large and have urged anyone with information about Scott’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
What this means for customers and the jail system
The sheriff’s office emphasized that jail staff flagged the irregular deposits early, limiting wider harm. Capt. Andy Hynek, chief of detectives, led the formal inquiry that uncovered the transactions and the alleged restaurant connection.
For consumers, the case is a reminder to regularly review bank and card statements and report suspicious charges promptly. Financial institutions are already working with victims to recover the unauthorized withdrawals, the sheriff’s office said.
Local specifics and next steps
Investigators did not publish the Hardee’s street address in their statement; public records show a single Hardee’s on Franklin Street in Michigan City. La Porte County officials said the total amount tied to the fraudulent deposits reached approximately $14,700.
As the probe continues, authorities are asking anyone with relevant tips or video evidence from August or September to come forward. Information can help locate the remaining suspect and support restitution for affected customers.
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