19-03-2025
Two more arrests in large fraud investigation in Tupelo
TUPELO – The Tupelo Police Department has arrested two more people in connection with a growing investigation into fraud.
The investigation began in late February after three cars were stopped at the same time on North Gloster Street for equipment violations. There were drugs in the cars. A further search revealed multiple fraudulent out of state driver's licenses, Social Security cards, stolen checks and two firearms. The six out of state occupants of the cars were arrested and ordered held without bond.
The on-going investigation led to the arrests of two co-conspirators.
Rasheeda Lyanda, 37, of Smokey Mountain Drive, Tupelo, was arrested March 12 and charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit false pretense and one count of fraudulent use of identity. During her initial appearance, Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Willie Allen set her bond at $10,000. She has since been released from the Lee County Adult Jail.
Jamarcus J. Walker, 23, of North Church Street, Okolona, was arrested March 13 and also charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit false pretense and one count of fraudulent use of identity. During his initial court appearance, Judge Jay Weir ordered Walker to be held without bond.
This case is still under investigation and other charges are pending at this time. These charges will be presented to the Lee County Grand Jury.
On Feb. 28, Sydney Nicole Lewis, 26, of Kansas City, Missouri; Dante D. McKinnie, 24, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Shacoy Peebles, 24, of Columbus, Ohio; William F. Quiring, 30, of Wichita, Kansas; Stephanie Washington, 28, of Independence, Missouri; and Rachel M. Writesel, 37, of West Jefferson, Ohio; were all charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit false pretense. McKinnie and Writesel were also each charged with a single count of fraudulent use of identity.
