Ridgeland woman posing as travel agent arrested on breach of trust charges
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– Fairfield Co. Sheriff’s Office is conducting an on-going investigation involving a woman who is alleged to have accepted payment from an individual for travel-related services that were not provided.
During the investigation, the victim reported that Ann Brown Malphrus represented herself as a travel agent and accepted payment to arrange airline travel. (Photo: Fairfield Co. Sheriff’s Office)
During the investigation, the victim reported that Ann Brown Malphrus represented herself as a travel agent and accepted payment to arrange airline travel.
The victim later discovered that the travel information provided by Malphrus was not associated with a valid airline reservation and ultimately did not receive the contracted travel services, say deputies.
Deputies say Malphrus acknowledged receiving the victim’s payment and agreed to return the funds.
Despite representing that a refund had been initiated, the victim reported that the funds were not returned, say deputies.
On October 2, an investigator with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office presented the facts and circumstances developed during the investigation to a Fairfield County Magistrate.
After reviewing the information presented, the magistrate determined that probable cause existed and issued an arrest warrant charging Malphrus with breach of trust with fraudulent intent.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office has received information indicating there may be additional individuals who have been victims of similar transactions involving Malphrus, potentially including individuals from other areas of South Carolina and throughout the Southeast region.
Anyone who believes they may have entered into a similar transaction with Malphrus involving travel-related services that were not provided is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency and file an official report.
Individuals should provide law enforcement with any documentation or communications related to the transaction.
Reports made with local law enforcement agencies may assist investigators in identifying additional incidents and determining whether the reported transactions are related.
