News Crime and Safety

Law Enforcement Officer’s Missing IRS Refund Check Leads to Arrest of Alleged Fraudster

by Ryan Yousefi January 12, 2025

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Ronaldo Cerve {BSO}

Margate Police arrested a man on multiple charges of identity theft, fraud, and money laundering.

A Fort Lauderdale law enforcement officer’s missing IRS tax refund led investigators to a man involved in altered U.S. Treasury checks totaling over $20,000.

According to an affidavit, the officer discovered in June 2024 that his tax refund check, which was supposed to be directly deposited, had been mailed to his residence but never received. Upon contacting the IRS, he learned the $20,694 check had been cashed.

Bank records provided a copy of the cashed check, revealing it was fraudulently endorsed and deposited into an account at SoFi Bank under Ronaldo Cerve, a 34-year-old man who lives in Coral Springs.

According to Margate Police records, a subpoena served to SoFi Bank revealed that the account was opened in July 2023 under Cerve’s name, and upon further review, investigators found multiple fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks, all made payable to Cerve, had been allegedly deposited into this account between April and May 2024.

Withdrawals from Cerve’s account included alleged ATM transactions and purchasing several money orders at Publix supermarkets in Coconut Creek and Margate. These money orders were later traced to payments at an apartment complex, check cashing stores, and an American Express bill.

Records show video surveillance from Publix confirmed Cerve’s identity, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Cerve remained at large until January 7, until he was involved in a traffic crash in Margate. As a passenger in the incident, officers routinely checked his identification and discovered an active warrant for his arrest issued by Fort Lauderdale PD.

Arrest records show officers noted the warrant and were advised Cerve to be considered armed. A search revealed he was carrying a concealed handgun, which was reported lost in May 2020.

Cerve was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Broward County Main Jail. He was charged with five counts and released after posting a $45,000 bond and surrendering his passport.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.