- April 20, 2026
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Abraham Rivas, 32, who is incarcerated at Dooly State Prison in Georgia, in connection with a phone-based fraud scheme that targeted a Flagler County resident by impersonating a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
On March 12, deputies with FCSO’s Community Policing Division responded to a fraud report in Palm Coast after a victim reported sending two $500 payments to a person claiming to be “Officer Christopher Osorio with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.” The victim believed the money was required for bond and an ankle monitor following the victim’s spouse’s recent arrest.
The case was assigned to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office General Assignment Unit. During the investigation, detectives tracked the funds to a bank account. According to the account holder, Rivas told them the incoming payments were legal sports-betting (gambling) winnings, and he believed the people sending the money were Rivas’ family members. The account holder said the money was then sent to Rivas’ commissary account at Dooly State Prison.
Detective First Class Douglas traveled to Dooly State Prison and interviewed Rivas. Rivas admitted to orchestrating the scheme and described how the fraud operation functioned from inside the Georgia prison system.
During the interview, Rivas stated that other inmates ran similar scams and claimed that correctional staff were aware of the activity. Rivas also claimed that he used proceeds from the fraud to purchase marijuana inside the prison. Detective Douglas obtained an arrest warrant charging Rivas with organized scheme to defraud and grand theft.
“This suspect used deception and impersonated FCSO to exploit our victim and they did this from a Georgia prison,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “It appears criminal activity is occurring right under their nose, and that is completely inexcusable. If you steal from our residents, whether you are in Flagler County or in a prison cell in another state, we will investigate the case, obtain a warrant, and hold you accountable.”
“The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will never call, text, or email demanding money or personal information to clear-up a warrant, avoid arrest, or resolve a legal issue,” Sheriff Staly added. “Do not send money to anyone you do not know, especially via Zelle, Cash App, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other instant payment methods, as its most likely a scam.”
Rivas is currently serving four years in the Georgia Department of Corrections for charges including aggravated assault, theft by taking, robbery by sudden snatching. He was scheduled for release in 2027.
Anyone who believes they’ve been a target of this scam should report it to FCSO’s non-emergency line: 386-313-4911. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
