FOLEY — A Foley Police Department investigation has led to the federal sentencing of two men involved in a multi-state conspiracy to sell counterfeit gold and silver, resulting in over $120,000 in fraudulent sales.
Rossi Windham, 42, and Dylan Jemison, 21, both of Sylacauga, Alabama, along with a minor whose identity remains confidential, were part of the scheme uncovered in 2023 after a local victim reported suspicious activity to Foley Police.
The victim informed investigators that Jemison had sold him fake gold bars for $20,000 and later attempted to sell additional counterfeit items. Working closely with the victim, Foley Police quickly organized a sting operation. Jemison arrived at a pre-arranged meeting with a backpack containing nearly 100 fake gold bars and was immediately apprehended. He was charged with first-degree theft of property and first-degree attempted theft of property on the same day, October 26, 2023.
Further investigation by the Foley Police Intelligence Unit linked Jemison to the minor and revealed a larger conspiracy. Because the case involved counterfeit minted gold, Foley Police promptly partnered with the FBI to continue the investigation.
Following a public service announcement issued by Foley Police, numerous additional victims from Alabama and Georgia came forward and were referred to the FBI. A search of Jemison’s phone revealed the full extent of the fraudulent operation and implicated Windham as well.
Investigators determined that the scheme began when the minor advertised counterfeit gold and silver bars and coins for sale through Facebook Marketplace, falsely claiming they were inherited family heirlooms. Between April and August 2023, Windham assisted the minor by arranging sales and sometimes accompanying him to meet victims. In August 2023, after Windham distanced himself from the operation, Jemison joined the conspiracy.
The fraudulent sales spanned three states—Alabama, Georgia, and Florida—ultimately defrauding victims of more than $120,000. While some victims were reimbursed during the scheme, the court ordered Windham and Jemison to pay $87,000 in restitution to seven victims who had not recovered their losses. Both men also agreed to forfeit all proceeds obtained through the illegal operation.
The successful investigation was a collaborative effort between the Foley Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a local Foley business. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Bodnar prosecuted the case for the United States.
The Foley Police Department thanks all community members who came forward and remains committed to protecting residents from fraud and criminal activity.