Hampton Roads, VA – September 21, 2025 – Federal prosecutors have arrested ten people accused of running a large-scale fraud scheme that targeted Navy Federal Credit Union customers across Hampton Roads. Investigators say the group tricked victims into handing over their cell phones, then used the Navy Federal mobile app to steal money and take out fake loans. Authorities believe the scam has cost victims more than two million dollars.
The operation, known as a “parking lot scam,” usually began with suspects approaching people outside Navy Federal branches or in crowded parking lots. They would ask for help, often claiming they had lost a debit card or ID. Once the victim agreed to let them borrow a phone, the suspects acted quickly.
Using the Navy Federal app, they applied for fraudulent loans, transferred money through apps like Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle, and sometimes disputed charges to make account balances appear larger. Prosecutors say the suspects covered their tracks by deleting notifications, removing the banking app, or returning the phone in airplane mode. In one case, a firearm was reportedly shown to intimidate a victim.
Those charged include Rodney Thornton, Steven Carter Jones III, Jamaica Sumner, Troy Lee Davis III, Laterrance Park Jr., Jordan Pugh, Lois Irene Staton, Joy Davis, Persia Brown, and Andrea Holley. All ten face charges of wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to launder money. So far, prosecutors have confirmed thirty-three victims, though more than five hundred complaints have been reported throughout the region.
Navy Federal says it is improving its digital security to protect members, but would not say how many customers have been impacted. Police are warning the public to remain cautious and stress one important reminder: never hand your phone to a stranger, no matter how convincing their story may sound.
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