Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – A Foley police investigation helped lead to the sentencing of two men in a counterfeit gold and silver scheme. The men conspired with a minor to sell fake precious metals across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Victims lost more than $120,000 buying fake items. The investigation began when a Foley victim contacted police in 2023.

The victim told police that Dylan Jemison, 21, of Sylacauga, sold him fake gold bars for $20,000. Jemison later offered to sell even more items. Foley police quickly organized a sting operation with the victim’s help. Jemison was arrested with a backpack full of fake gold bars.

Police recovered almost 100 fake gold bars during the sting on October 26, 2023. Jemison was charged with first-degree theft of property and first-degree attempted theft of property. Days later, the victim provided information that implicated a minor. Foley’s Intelligence Unit soon uncovered a conspiracy.

Because conspiracies involving minted gold are federal crimes, Foley police contacted the FBI. The department also issued a public announcement seeking more victims. Numerous victims across Alabama and Georgia responded and were referred to the FBI. No additional local victims were found.

A search of Jemison’s phone showed the fraud involved Jemison, Rossi Windham, 42, and the minor. Investigators learned the minor advertised fake gold and silver on Facebook Marketplace. He claimed the items were inherited and sold them below market value.

Between April and August 2023, Windham helped the minor arrange sales and sometimes went to transactions. Windham also conducted at least one fraudulent sale himself. Around August 2023, Windham left the scheme. Jemison, then 19 years old, took his place.

Windham, Jemison, and the minor fraudulently took more than $120,000 from victims. Some victims were reimbursed, but seven victims were not. Windham and Jemison were ordered to pay $87,000 in restitution. They also agreed to forfeit all illegal proceeds to the United States.

The Foley Police Department and the FBI investigated the case with help from a Foley business. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Bodnar prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Mobile.