3rd Arrest Made in Ongoing Navy Federal Credit Union Fraud Investigation

By Janell Williams

The Columbus Police Department (CPD) has arrested Curtis Davis, 40, in connection with an ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities at Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU).

This discovery came about during an ongoing CPD investigation the resulted in two checks, totaling $122,225.98, being deposited into the NFCU account belonging to Christopher Upshaw, who is currently incarcerated in federal prison for the assault of a federal officer. CPD stated that surveillance footage captured former NFCU employee, and alleged co-conspirator, Steven Verrett depositing both checks – once with Davis providing the check. The other check was deposited while Verrett used customers as a cover from video surveillance cameras.

Numerous funds were withdrawn from Upshaw’s account via cashier’s checks, ATM withdrawals, and counter cash withdrawals, according to the Columbus Police Department. Davis was reportedly observed receiving cash from Verrett on multiple occasions. According to police, credit union records indicate that Davis deposited cash from one of the cashier’s checks, withdrawn from Upshaw’s NFCU account, into his private bank account.

At this time, Davis is the third arrest in the investigation. Steven Verrett, the first suspect in the case, was arrested in late May. The second suspect, Demetrius Redding, was taken into custody earlier this month.

Arrest warrants were obtained for Davis. On Monday, July 15, 2024, Davis turned himself in to police. He is charged with:

• Forgery 3rd Degree
• Theft by Deception

Davis appeared in Recorder’s Court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. where he pleaded not guilty.