VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a fraud scheme that cost an Orange City woman nearly half a million dollars, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Jason Hellawell, 56, was taken into custody in California, while co-conspirator Ariel Wang, 33, turned herself in to authorities in Volusia County on March 23, 2026.
Hellawell is charged with grand theft over $100,000, with additional charges pending. Wang faces charges of grand theft, money laundering, and organized scheme to defraud.
Investigators said the 61-year-old victim believed she was wiring $487,350 to her accountant to pay taxes. Authorities later determined the accountant’s email had been compromised, and the funds were redirected to the suspects.
Detectives with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit tracked the transactions, identified the suspects, and seized bank accounts linked to the scheme.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed in other jurisdictions.