09/08/2026
Recently, we reminded our community about an old and unfortunately common scam, callers impersonating Martin County law enforcement officers, using real personnel names, and threatening victims with arrest for missing jury duty.
We are pleased to share that one of those investigations has resulted in an arrest.
In February, the Stuart Police Department received a report from a victim who lost more than $4,000 after falling victim to this exact type of scam. After months of tedious investigative work, Stuart Police detectives identified Cherita Renee Barnes-Mitchell, 42, of Ellenwood, Georgia, as one of the individuals involved in the scheme.
An arrest warrant was issued, Barnes-Mitchell was taken into custody in Georgia on August 22, 2026, and because the warrant is extraditable, she will soon be taking an involuntary trip to Martin County to answer to the charges.
An additional arrest warrant has been issued for another accomplice to this crime.
And once again, no legitimate law
enforcement agency will EVER call you and demand money to avoid arrest.
