FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Georgia prison inmate is facing new charges after investigators say he ran a phone scam from behind bars by posing as a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy and defrauding a Palm Coast resident.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Abraham Rivas, 32, who is currently incarcerated at Dooly State Prison in Georgia.
Authorities say the case began March 12 when deputies responded to a fraud report in Palm Coast. A victim told investigators they sent two $500 payments to someone claiming to be “Officer Christopher Osorio with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.”
The victim believed the money was needed for bond and an ankle monitor following the recent arrest of the victim’s spouse.
Detectives traced the funds to a bank account and later determined the money was sent to Rivas’ commissary account inside Dooly State Prison located in Unadilla, GA, according to investigators.
Detective First Class Douglas traveled to the prison and interviewed Rivas, who authorities say admitted orchestrating the fraud scheme and described how the operation worked from inside the prison.
Investigators said Rivas also claimed other inmates ran similar scams and alleged correctional staff were aware of the activity.
According to investigators, Rivas also admitted using fraud proceeds to purchase marijuana inside the prison.
Rivas is now charged 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,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “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.”
Rivas is currently serving a four-year sentence in Georgia on convictions including aggravated assault, theft by taking and robbery by sudden snatching. He is scheduled for release in 2027.
The sheriff’s office urged residents to be cautious, noting law enforcement will never demand money or personal information by phone, text or email to resolve warrants or legal matters.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a similar scam is asked to call FCSO’s non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.