CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A 27-year-old man is facing charges in connection to a fraud scheme that had victims in dozens of states.
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Cody Winn is facing telecommunication fraud and theft charges, according to the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office.
In October 2023 deputies were contacted by authorities in California about a potential internet scam being conducted by a Clermont County resident.
A victim alleged that a person named “Cody Clay” with a business called Market Modern LLC promised a lucrative investment opportunity.
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Clay allegedly promised the victim they would get a full return on their initial investment after three months.
The victim said they gave Clay $25,000 to fund the creation of an automated Amazon store, however after months without progress the victim was unable to get in touch with anyone for a refund.
Authorities allege that Clay was actually Winn.
Winn also had a YouTube channel where he went by the pseudonym of Cody Clay.
The sheriff’s office said they contacted 31 investors who had paid Winn between $25,000 and $60,000 and said they were unable to get in touch with Winn or his business for a refund.
The total estimated amount stolen is $965,500, according to the sheriff’s office.
Victims were located in 16 states.
Winn is being held in the Clermont County Jail without bond.
We will continue to follow this story.
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