Savannah Man Arrested in Florida Keys for $22,000 Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam

Details of the Scam

Thomas Kelly Pullen, a 20-year-old resident of Savannah, Georgia, was arrested on August 7, 2026, in the Florida Keys after being implicated in a law enforcement impersonation scam that defrauded a Marathon resident of over $22,000. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office reported that Pullen faces multiple charges, including grand theft, organized scheme to defraud, and impersonation of a law enforcement officer.

How the Scheme Unfolded

The investigation began in May when the victim reported receiving several phone calls from individuals claiming to represent the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the Lee County Sheriff's Office. These callers falsely informed the victim that he had missed jury duty and would need to pay a sum to avoid arrest.

Ultimately, the victim was coerced into handing over $22,450 to an individual posing as an undercover officer in the parking lot of a grocery store in Marathon. Following this initial payment, the victim received another call later that day demanding an additional $31,500, which raised his suspicions and prompted him to contact the actual Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Investigation and Next Steps

Upon receiving the victim's report, detectives from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation. The victim was able to identify Pullen as a suspect, leading to his arrest. The sheriff's office has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests or charges may be forthcoming as they continue to explore the case.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant against similar scams and to report any suspicious calls to local law enforcement. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is actively working to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents of this nature.