Crime & Public Safety
Miami Shores Detective, Two Others Indicted on Federal Fraud and Identity Theft Charges
A Miami Shores police detective and two alleged accomplices made federal court appearances Monday after being charged with four counts of fraud and identity theft. Authorities say Detective Shmueal "Sam" Mauda, 36, along with Elisha Mauda, 39, and Brent Small, 58, are accused of stealing identities and targeting elderly and deceased victims nationwide, including multiple seniors in their 90s. The complaint alleges the group funneled stolen funds to companies they controlled and used a deceased person’s credit card to pay for a trip to South Korea. The three were initially arrested in August on state charges tied to an alleged scam originating in Sedro‑Woolley, Washington, and now face federal penalties that could include decades in prison. All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More Miami-Dade County news · Request a correction or case update
All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.