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Pasco detectives searching for new suspect in veterans charity scam

Woman caught on camera peddling phony charity
Posted at 12:10 AM, Jun 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-08 07:59:18-04

The investigation into a veterans charity scam is expanding in Pasco County. 

Detectives are searching for a new suspect, caught on camera at a local convenience store, believed to be targeting more Tampa Bay businesses and conning more victims. 

"I think it's organized crime," said Trevor Campbell, owner of Cash for Gold in Wesley Chapel. "They're structured, they know what they're doing and they're all pooling in to make profits."

ABC Action News first reported last month, Campbell helped detectives coordinate an undercover sting operation at this business, which led to the arrest of Billy Fielder. 

RELATED: PCSO: phony donation documents used to con local businesses

Investigators say Fielder doctored donation forms from a certified, Indiana-based charity called the Veterans Relief Fund. 

According to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Fielder scammed more than $1,500 from nearly 20 area businesses. 

With Fielder in jail, detectives believe the mystery woman caught on a surveillance camera is out there carrying out the scheme. 

"It's just a little surprising that now we're seeing that there's more people and I wouldn't be surprised if you don't find more people and businesses," said Campbell. 

Detectives do believe there may be more victims out there and ask anyone with helpful information to call their crime tips line at 1-800-706-2488.