Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit

Christopher D. Lyon
DOB: 12/23/1985
Address: 11333 US Highway 19 N., Apartment #216, Pinellas Park
Charges: 2 counts of Scheme to Defraud

David J. Black
DOB: 1/26/1959
Address: 14099 S. Belcher Road, Apartment #1123, Largo
Charges: 2 counts of Scheme to Defraud

Michael A. Anderson
DOB: 5/4/1973
Address: 2169 Riviera Drive, Clearwater
Charges: 1 count of Scheme to Defraud

What:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested three suspect for scheme to defraud. The suspects were involved in an organized scheme that targeted victims who were attempting to sell their time share properties.

When:
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

The investigation began in July 2015.

Where:
The investigation was conducted in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested three suspects for scheme to defraud. The suspects were involved in an organized scheme that targeted victims who were attempting to sell their time share properties.

According to detectives, their investigation began in July 2015 when the victims reported that they were deceived into sending money to subjects in Florida for what they originally believed were fees associated with the sale of their time share properties.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to identify the suspects as 30-year-old Christopher Lyon, 57-year-old David Black and 42-year-old Michael Anderson.  

Detectives say that between January 2015 and November 2015, Lyon, Black and Anderson were involved in an organized scheme where they would call time share property owners who were trying to sell their properties. The suspects fraudulently represented themselves as attorneys for BB&T Bank and told the victims that they were assigned to handle the sale of their time share properties.

The victims were then directed to send money through Money Gram as “pre-payment” for fees associated with the alleged sale of their time share properties. The sustained financial loss as a result of this organized scheme totaled $48,211.00.  

On March 29, 2016, detectives arrested Michael Anderson and David Black at their residence. Christopher Lyon was already serving time in the Pinellas County Jail for violation of probation. All three suspects were charged with various counts of scheme to defraud.   

The investigation continues.

Christopher Lyon booking photograph.

David Black booking photograph.

Michael Anderson booking photograph.