Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release
May 28, 2009
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
en EspañolPrint Icon Print Version

Attorney General: 3 Hillsborough County Men Sentenced in "Operation Checkmate"

~ Father, sons plead guilty in counterfeit check scheme ~


TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that three Hillsborough County men pleaded guilty to criminal charges of racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Alexander Jackson, Sr. and his sons, Alexander Jackson, Jr. and Maurice Jackson, each received prison sentences for running a counterfeit check cashing ring. The men were prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Alexander Sr., 56; Alexander Jr., 32; and Maurice, 34, were arrested in October 2008 after a lengthy investigation conducted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspectors. Investigators alleged that from December 2004 through July 2008, the men and other codefendants stole checks out of industrial park mailboxes in the Tampa Bay area and throughout state. Once they had stolen checks, the men would send the checks to a printer who would create counterfeit checks using the stolen information. The men would then travel to various banks in Florida to cash the checks, which were for amounts ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Authorities believe the ring stole more than $164,000 with the counterfeit checks.

Alexander Jackson, Sr. was sentenced to 12 years in prison, Alexander Jackson, Jr. was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison, and Maurice Jackson was sentenced to 10 years in prison. All three were ordered to pay restitution to their victims and must reimburse the state for the costs of investigation and prosecution. The criminal investigation is ongoing.

Stay Connected Follow Us News feed

Read Attorney General Bondi's Weekly Brief

Provide your email address below to receive the Attorney General's Weekly Briefing featuring the latest news and updates on top issues.