Jones Co. man charged with fraud

This is a press release from the Jones County Sheriff's Department.

JONES COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI – On June 22, 2017 Jones County Sheriff’s Investigators were made aware of possible fraudulent activity involving John Umstead, 49 of Laurel. According to the ongoing investigation, Umstead was working under a contract with a medical coding company, using an identity other than his own. During the course of two months, Umstead collected money from an account under that identity, with funds in excess of $5,500.

Umstead was taken into custody on July 21, 2017 and charged with Fraud: Obtain Thing of Value by False Identification. Judge Howell Beech set his bond at $5,000. The case will now be handed over to the Jones County District Attorney.

For any additional information as it comes available, feel free to contact Allyson Knotts at 601-428-3151.