South Daytona, FL - A 54-year-old Orlando man has been charged in a bogus gift card scam in South Daytona where police say they think there may be more victims who don’t realize they’ve been taken for a ride. Police have charged James D. Smith and say he was telling people his name was “Coach Bailey” and that by making a “donation” to a non-profit program called “The South Daytona Traveling Baseball Team” they would get the gift card good at a local restaurant run by the Darden Restaurant Group. Smith is not affiliated with the South Daytona Recreation Department or that traveling team.
The report says “Coach Bailey” would advise the person, if you donated $30.00 to the baseball group, you would receive a $50.00 restaurant card or $15.00 for a $25.00 gift card. “Coach Bailey” had all types of gift cards and dollar amounts to offer people that believed they were helping out the baseball group. He also created his own flyers.
A release from the South Dayona Police Department says Smith allegedly pulled off the scam at businesses in July including Jim Walker Motorcycles, Blue Water Pool Supply, Giles Electric and That One Fun Place. He also allegedly victimized individuals.
Police say Smith got those cards fraudulently from a local business.
Police say Smith had active warrants from Georgia and Tennessee.
He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on charges that include being a fugitive from justice. He is held without bond on that charge.
More charges are pending against Smith as the investigation continues.
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