Bay County :Four Arrested in Scheme to Defraud

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jun 11 2021 3:03 PM

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced four arrests in a Scheme to Defraud case involving money through the CARES Act.

On June 9, 2021, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation when provided information discovered during an audit by the Bay County Budget Office, and the Bay County Comptroller. The audit was of submitted paperwork from those requesting financial assistance because of COVID-19 through the CARES Act. The discrepancy involved paperwork from Renatta Mathis and Eric Betties. Betties was listed as Mathis’ landlord on the paperwork when in reality he had nothing to do with her property and was not authorized to collect rent or act in any official capacity for the address provided by Mathis. The paperwork claimed Mathis was behind in rent and needed assistance. The scheme took place in November of 2020.

Renatta Mathis met with investigators and, during an interview, stated she had “messed up.” Mathis admitted that she discussed the scheme with Eric Betties and they decided to collaborate to defraud the program. Mathis also stated she had helped Mary Beach get in contact with Eric Betties to commit the same type of fraud. Betties informed Antoinette Dawson about the scheme and she became involved by filling out paperwork to defraud the program. Investigators issued warrants for Beach and Betties, and later Dawson.

Eric Betties, age 49, of 1231 Caldwell Dr, Panama City, was arrested and charged with Scheme to Defraud. Renatta Mathis, age 40, of 2719 E. 8th St. was charged with Scheme to Defraud. Mary Beach, age 34, of 806 Harris Avenue, Panama City, was charged with Grand Theft. Antoinette Dawson, age 36, of 5203 Douglas St., Callaway, was also charged with Grand Theft.

Bay County :Four Arrested in Scheme to Defraud

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