Georgia woman arrested on two felony counts of false pretense in Harrison County

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley announced the arrest of 24- year-old Sharontay Rice of Savannah, Georgia on two felony counts of false pretense.

According to Sheriff Matt Haley, Harrison County Criminal Investigation Division has been investigating phone scams where an individual posing as a Harrison County Sheriff Deputy demands payment from a citizen to avoid arrest.

On April 4, 2024, Harrison County Investigators received two reports of these scams where both victims met the suspect at the Biloxi Courthouse.

The victims were scammed out of approximately $28,000. Harrison County Investigators were able to get information on the suspect that led to the identification and arrest of Sharontay Rice.

Investigators conducted a search warrant of Rice’s hotel room and recovered over $28,000 taken from victims. This is an ongoing investigation involving multiple jurisdictions.

Sheriff Matt Haley wants to remind the public that no Deputies will collect money from citizens and to report any suspicious phone calls to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Rice was booked into the Harrison County Adult Detention Center on two felony charges of False Pretense.

Rice is being held until initial appearance per Justice Court Judge B. Ladner.