🎙️Episode 28: Fraud, Family & False Success: The Brandon Simms Story

🎙️Episode 28: Fraud, Family & False Success: The Brandon Simms Story

EPISODE DESCRIPTION  What happens when healthcare turns into a hustle? In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime, and Crochet, we’re breaking down the $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme led by Brandon Sims and members of his own family. This case goes beyond fraud. It raises questions about trust, image, and the systems meant to protect vulnerable communities. Reports suggest Sims also presented himself as a successful entrepreneur, adding another layer to a story that already feels too calculated to be coincidence.  We’re unpacking: * How the scheme worked * The role of family in the operation * The real impact of Medicaid fraud * And how image can be used to build credibility in scams Plus, this week’s iced coffee is The Paper Trail Latte; and yes, the full recipe is below When does a hustle become harm? Main Topics Covered: * Overview of the $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme * How Medicaid fraud operations typically work * The involvement of multiple family members * The role of perceived success and public image * The broader impact on patients and healthcare systems Iced Coffee of the Week: The Paper Trail Latte Flavor vibe: smooth, rich, layered… but a little sneaky  Ingredients (24 oz) * 2 tsp Nescafé Blonde (or mocha for a deeper flavor) * 3 oz hot water * 1 oz vanilla syrup (use your Mexican vanilla 👀) * 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk * 1 tbsp dulce de leche sauce (plus extra for lining the cup) * Ice (ALWAYS last, we stand on that) * Oat milk (fill to top) Optional Cold Foam * 2 oz half & half * Splash of vanilla syrup Instructions 1. Dissolve instant coffee in hot water 2. Stir in vanilla syrup + condensed milk 3. Line your cup with dulce de leche 4. Fill cup with ice 5. Pour coffee mixture over ice 6. Top with oat milk 7. Add cold foam and drizzle more dulce de leche on top Sip or Spill Question If someone builds an image of success while committing fraud behind the scenes… Is that just part of the scam, or does it cross into something deeper? SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them. Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE [https://patreon.com/blackcoffeecrimecrochet] Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BzKjzfoTa/] YouTube: WATCH HERE [https://youtube.com/@blackcoffeecrimecrochetpodcast?si=n1rK25I8gZN2GG0q] SOURCES * U.S. Department of Justice press releases * Local Houston news coverage * Court documents and indictments * Public records related to Medicaid fraud investigations DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All information is based on publicly available sources. Allegations discussed are based on reported findings and legal proceedings. Listeners are encouraged to conduct their own research.

🎙️Episode 27 ENCORE: Swipe, Seduce, Scam: The Daylon Pierce Story

Hey BC3 Crew, no new episode last week so we're bringing back one of the most requested stories. This is the twisted tale of Daylon Pierce, a romance scammer who left a trail of heartbreak and bounced checks across the country. If you missed it the first time, here’s your chance to catch up. An don't worry, a brand new episode is coming this Tuesday as we continue the Love, Lies, and Laundering series. You do not want to miss what’s next. Daylon Pierce wasn’t your average online dater. He posed as a wealthy stockbroker looking for love… and ended up scamming multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.In this episode, Jasmine unpacks the charming deception, the heartbreak, and the massive financial fraud behind Pierce’s “romance investments.” Plus: iced coffee vibes, a crochet update, and a conversation about why judging scam victims misses the point. We’re sipping Sweet Talker Lattes and stitching our way through the twisted tale of Daylon Pierce, an Arizona-based romance scammer who used dating apps to charm, manipulate, and con multiple women out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.I’m breaking down: * How Daylon Pierce built his fake financial empire on lies and love-bombing * The women who trusted him and what they lost * How he was caught and sentenced This episode is part true crime deep-dive, part love life PSA; so grab your iced coffee, your latest WIP, and settle in. Drink of the Episode: Sweet Talker Latte (caramel, cinnamon, vanilla) SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them. Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE [https://patreon.com/blackcoffeecrimecrochet] Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BzKjzfoTa/] YouTube: WATCH HERE [https://youtube.com/@blackcoffeecrimecrochetpodcast?si=n1rK25I8gZN2GG0q]

🎙️Episode 26: Love, Lies, and Laundering Series Part 2: Badetito Obafemi and the Money Mule Network

Romance scammers do not just rely on fake profiles and sweet messages. They rely on infrastructure. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we continue the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Badetito Obafemi, a Georgia man who acted as a money mule in a multi state romance fraud scheme. From 2016 to 2018, victims in Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey believed they were sending money to men they loved. Instead, more than $300,000 was routed through bank accounts tied to Obafemi and his businesses. He did not write the love letters, but he made sure the money moved. This episode breaks down how the scam worked, how smaller operators fit inside larger international fraud networks, and why money mules are critical to keeping romance scams alive. We examine the investigation, indictment, guilty plea, and sentencing, and discuss what this case reveals about the business side of emotional exploitation. This is Week 2 of the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series. In this episode, we examine the role of Badetito Obafemi in a romance fraud ring that targeted vulnerable victims across multiple states. Victims were contacted through social media and dating platforms and convinced they were in legitimate romantic relationships. Over time, they were manipulated into sending large sums of money to help with fabricated emergencies, overseas business ventures, medical crises, and legal troubles. Rather than wiring funds directly overseas, victims were instructed to send money to U.S. based bank accounts controlled by Obafemi. Through personal and business accounts, he laundered more than $300,000 in victim funds before distributing the proceeds to co conspirators and keeping a portion for himself. In 2021, a federal grand jury indicted Obafemi on multiple fraud and money laundering charges. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. In 2025, he was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $311,000 in restitution. This episode explores how romance scams function as organized financial systems and why money mules play a crucial role in sustaining international fraud networks. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER How romance scammers build trust with victims The role of money mules in fraud operations Shell companies and laundering tactics The multi state impact of the scheme Federal investigation and sentencing Why smaller operators still cause large harm ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Iced Latte This one tastes like dessert in a glass. Sweet. Smooth. Slightly rich. Exactly the kind of drink that makes you forget you are about to hear about financial crimes. Ingredients 1 cup strong cold brew or double strength coffee, fully chilled 1 cup ice 3/4 cup oat milk or milk of choice 1 oz Torani Cheesecake Syrup 1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup 1 tablespoon half and half or heavy cream Optional whipped cream Instructions Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the cold brew over the ice. Add 1 oz Torani Cheesecake Syrup. Add 1/2 oz vanilla bean syrup. Pour in the oat milk. Add the half and half for extra richness. Stir thoroughly until everything is fully combined. Top with whipped cream if you want the full bakery experience. It is sweet. It is comforting. It feels indulgent. But underneath that sweetness is a reminder that not everything that looks rich is built honestly. SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who thinks online romance fraud could never happen to them. Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE [https://patreon.com/blackcoffeecrimecrochet] Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BzKjzfoTa/] YouTube: WATCH HERE [https://youtube.com/@blackcoffeecrimecrochetpodcast?si=n1rK25I8gZN2GG0q] SOURCES United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri. “Georgia Man Sentenced for Role in $300,000 Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, April 9, 2025. United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri. “Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, April 18, 2024. United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri. “Georgia Man Indicted for Role in Romance Fraud Scheme.” Press release, July 27, 2021. United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. United States v. Badetito Oluwaseun Obafemi. Case filings, indictment, plea agreement, and sentencing documents. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Public statements related to romance scams and the Money Mule Initiative. United States Department of Justice. Money Mule Initiative announcements and enforcement summaries. Federal Trade Commission. Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, reports on romance scam losses and trends. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Internet Crime Complaint Center Annual Reports on romance fraud statistics.

🎙️Episode 25: Love, Lies, and Laundering Series Part 1: Nadine Jazimne Wade and the Business of Romance Fraud

Romance scams are usually framed as lonely people tricked by fake lovers online. But behind those fake profiles are real systems moving real money. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we open the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Nadine Jazimne Wade, a Bronx woman who laundered millions of dollars for an international romance scam ring. Prosecutors say Wade used shell companies and bank accounts to move more than two million dollars taken from victims who believed they were helping someone they loved. She did not catfish the victims herself, but her role made the scheme possible by turning emotional manipulation into usable cash. This episode breaks down how the laundering operation worked, how the larger fraud ring functioned, and why her sentence mattered in the broader fight against romance fraud. It also examines why this case stands out and what it reveals about the infrastructure behind online romance scams. SHOW NOTES In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we begin the Love, Lies, and Laundering Series with the case of Nadine Jazimne Wade. Wade was convicted for laundering millions of dollars connected to an international romance fraud operation. While victims believed they were sending money to someone they loved, prosecutors say their funds were being routed through bank accounts and shell companies controlled by Wade and her associates. This episode explores how romance scams depend on more than just fake profiles and emotional manipulation. It examines the financial infrastructure behind these schemes and the role played by people who never spoke to the victims but made the crimes possible. We break down Wade’s background, her involvement in the laundering network, how the larger fraud ring operated, and how federal investigators uncovered the scheme. We also discuss why her sentence was significant and what her case reveals about the hidden business side of romance fraud. This episode sets the foundation for understanding how love based scams function as organized financial systems rather than isolated acts of deception. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER The structure of international romance scam rings How money laundering supports online fraud Nadine Jazimne Wade’s role in moving stolen funds The use of shell companies and bank accounts Federal charges and sentencing Why this case stands out in romance fraud prosecutions ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE The False Promise Latte Strong coffee, vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, oat milk, ice, and a pinch of sea salt. Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE [https://patreon.com/blackcoffeecrimecrochet] Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BzKjzfoTa/] YouTube: WATCH HERE [https://youtube.com/@blackcoffeecrimecrochetpodcast?si=n1rK25I8gZN2GG0q] If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. Sources: * U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of New York – Press Release: Bronx Woman Sentenced To 63 Months In Prison For Laundering Over $2 Million For African Romance Scammers (May 28, 2025) * U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of New York – Press Release: 6 Defendants Charged With Laundering Millions Of Dollars In Proceeds Derived From Romance Scams (June 2, 2021) * Audacy/1010 WINS News – Bronx woman guilty in $2M fake romance scheme, used 'Francisco' alias to scam elderly (2025) * Inner City Press – After Romance Scam Guilty Verdict in SDNY… (Trial coverage by Matthew Russell Lee, Dec 2023) * The Federal Newswire – Bronx woman sentenced for laundering over $2 million in romance scam (May 28, 2025)

🎙️Episode 24: New Year, Same Scams Series - Episode 4: Brittish Williams and the Cost of Shortcuts

If you'd like to fill out the listener survey for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift card, or just to help me out, you can do so HERE [https://bit.ly/BC3Survey] EPISODE DESCRIPTION Brittish Williams built a public image as a reality TV star and entrepreneur, but behind the scenes she was committing years of financial fraud involving stolen Social Security numbers, false tax filings, and pandemic loan programs. In this episode of Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet, we revisit Brittish Williams now that her story has reached a new chapter after her release from federal prison. We break down how her schemes worked, the charges she faced, and the sentence that followed. We also include background Brittish shared in her interview with Carlos King, where she talked about her upbringing, family instability, college struggles, and how a gambling addiction shaped her financial decisions. This episode closes out the New Year, Same Scams series with a case that sits at the intersection of fame, desperation, and internet hustle culture. SHOW NOTES In this episode, we examine the rise and fall of Brittish Williams, from reality television to federal court, as the final chapter of the New Year, Same Scams series. Brittish Williams became known through Basketball Wives LA and later built a brand as a businesswoman and radio personality. While presenting a successful public image, she was also engaged in multiple fraud schemes that spanned several years. Federal investigators charged her with bank fraud, wire fraud, misuse of Social Security numbers, and making false statements to the IRS. Prosecutors said she used fake identities to open credit lines and bank accounts, lied on tax returns, submitted false medical claims, and fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds. This episode also draws from Brittish Williams’ interview with Carlos King, where she described her upbringing, her college plans, and the moment her education derailed when her mother stopped her student loan. She also spoke openly about her gambling addiction and how it influenced her financial behavior. As the closing episode of the New Year, Same Scams series, this case brings together many of the themes explored throughout the season, including credit fraud, identity misuse, lifestyle pressure, and the normalization of financial shortcuts online. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER Brittish Williams’ background and early life Her rise through reality television and entrepreneurship The fraud schemes involving Social Security numbers, banks, and tax filings Pandemic loan and rent relief fraud Her sentencing and early release Her own explanations from the Carlos King interview Why this case closes out the New Year, Same Scams series ICED COFFEE OF THE EPISODE Second Chance Iced Latte Strong coffee, brown sugar syrup, oat milk, cinnamon, and ice. SIP OR SPILL Does serving time mean someone deserves a clean slate, or does financial crime permanently change how we see them? Support & Connect with BC³: Instagram, FB & TikTok: @blackcoffeecrimecrochet Patreon: JOIN HERE [https://patreon.com/blackcoffeecrimecrochet] Facebook Discussion Group: Black Coffee, Crime & Crochet [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BzKjzfoTa/] YouTube: WATCH HERE [https://youtube.com/@blackcoffeecrimecrochetpodcast?si=n1rK25I8gZN2GG0q] If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Ratings and reviews help the show reach new listeners and make it easier for people to find thoughtful, well researched content like this. If you know someone who is working on their credit, thinking about credit repair, or needs to hear this episode before paying someone promising fast results, share it with them. That matters more than you think. SOURCES United States Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri. Press releases and court documents regarding the indictment, guilty plea, sentencing, and restitution order for Brittish Williams. United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri. Criminal case filings, plea agreement, and sentencing memorandum in United States v. Brittish Williams. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Public statements and investigative summaries related to the fraud schemes involving pandemic relief funds and synthetic identity fraud. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. Guidance and reporting on tax fraud and misuse of Social Security numbers tied to the case. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Public warnings and documentation on misuse of Social Security numbers and identity based fraud schemes. St. Louis Post Dispatch. Coverage of Brittish Williams’ indictment, guilty plea, sentencing, and appeal. Associated Press. Reporting on Brittish Williams’ fraud conviction and federal prison sentence. Forbes, Frank McKenna. Analysis articles on synthetic identity fraud and Credit Privacy Numbers. VH1 and Basketball Wives LA. Public background information on Brittish Williams’ media career. Carlos King interview with Brittish Williams. Primary source interview discussing her upbringing, education, gambling addiction, and explanations of her financial decisions.