Staff Reports
In an era where scams targeting the vulnerable have become alarmingly common, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is taking a stand to protect his community. The recent extradition of Shania Baptiste from New York to Florida highlights the sheriff’s commitment to holding fraudsters accountable. Baptiste, alongside her accomplice Neilson Brooks, orchestrated a lottery scam that defrauded an 85-year-old Daytona Beach woman of $35,000—her entire life savings. Sheriff Chitwood’s bold and unapologetic approach sends a clear message: Florida’s seniors are off-limits to criminals.
The scheme, which began in June 2024, involved Baptiste and her accomplices convincing the elderly victim she had won $1 million through a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. To claim her “prize,” they told her she needed to pay taxes and fees upfront. Despite warnings from bank tellers, the scammers manipulated the victim into wiring $35,000 through deceptive tactics. Baptiste was eventually tracked down in New York after an extensive investigation and arrested by the NYPD. Upon her arrival in Florida, Sheriff Chitwood greeted her with sharp words of condemnation, underscoring his dedication to protecting seniors in his jurisdiction.
This case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader epidemic of financial fraud targeting vulnerable populations. Sheriff Chitwood has made it clear that his office will pursue these criminals relentlessly, vowing to bring them back to Florida to face justice. His no-nonsense approach reflects a broader frustration with the increasing prevalence of scams that prey on trust and innocence. The sheriff’s ability to recover $20,000 of the stolen funds is a testament to his team’s diligence, though the remaining money may take years to return—if it ever is.
Sheriff Chitwood’s actions resonate with those who believe in strong law enforcement and community protection. His unapologetic rhetoric—calling out scammers as “scumbags” and wishing for their eternal punishment—may be unconventional, but it reflects the outrage many feel toward those who exploit the elderly. In an age where criminals often evade accountability through legal loopholes or lenient policies, Chitwood’s tough stance serves as a refreshing reminder of what justice should look like.
This case is both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for stronger measures against financial fraud. As scams grow more sophisticated, communities must remain vigilant and proactive in educating their members about potential threats. Sheriff Chitwood’s leadership exemplifies how law enforcement can combine tenacity with community advocacy to protect society’s most vulnerable members. His message is clear: if you target Florida’s seniors, you will face the full force of justice—and there will be no sympathy for your excuses.
