"A Georgia man is accused of stealing millions in unclaimed Massachusetts property and funds, allegedly cashing checks for $1.1 million and attempting to claim $2.2 million more. Shaka Stayman, 44, of Atlanta, is facing a total of 25 counts related to larceny over $1,200, attempted larceny, money laundering, uttering a false document, conspiracy, and presentation of false claims. Stayman pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court on Friday after he was indicted in September, according to court records."
"He is accused of fraudulently submitting seven separate claims for funds held by the state's unclaimed property division between September 2023 and August of this year, according to Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office. Using the funds, he allegedly made payments on a luxury condo, vehicles, and "purchases of designer goods," the AG said. Campbell said Stayman was issued three checks totaling more than $1.1 million. Investigators prevented the issuing of approximately $2.2 million in four remaining claims allegedly filed by Stayman. Stayman selected high-value property held by the state and impersonated someone who could claim the property, the AG's office alleged. According to court records and online obituaries, it appears he allegedly targeted at least four Massachusetts people who died and left behind money or property. He allegedly submitted falsified and forged documents to the division of unclaimed property, created "ghost" phone numbers, and re-routed claim checks with mail-forwarding services. The AG said he also opened bank accounts in others' names using fake identification."
Shaka Stayman, 44, of Atlanta faces 25 criminal counts including larceny over $1,200, attempted larceny, money laundering, uttering a false document, conspiracy, and presentation of false claims. He is accused of submitting seven fraudulent claims to Massachusetts' unclaimed property division between September 2023 and August 2024, cashing three checks totaling over $1.1 million and attempting to claim about $2.2 million more. Alleged methods include impersonation, forged documents, creating fake phone numbers, mail-forwarding to re-route checks, and opening bank accounts using fake identification. Stayman was held on $2 million cash bail and pleaded not guilty while awaiting sentencing in a separate federal case.
Read at Boston.com
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