Julie Michelle Shuler and Taylor Skiey Bradham, both residents of Tallahassee, Florida, have entered guilty pleas in federal court. They admitted to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Shuler also pleaded guilty to four additional counts of mail fraud. This development was announced by John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated: “These defendants sought to exploit Florida parents’ investments in their children’s futures for their own personal gain, but thanks to the diligent collaboration between my office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, their profiteering scheme has been dismantled and a prison cell awaits them.”
Court documents indicate that Shuler and Bradham were employed by a company responsible for customer service and records administration for the Florida Prepaid College Program. They used their positions to access personal identifying information (PII) belonging to account owners and beneficiaries without authorization or knowledge. The women then altered ownership details on existing contracts and plans, enabling them to terminate these contracts fraudulently. As a result, refund checks were sent to addresses they controlled, which they subsequently cashed or deposited into bank accounts with assistance from others involved in the scheme. Approximately $86,000 was stolen or attempted to be stolen through this fraudulent activity.
The potential penalties include up to twenty years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and three years of supervised release after serving time. Shuler faces similar penalties for each count of mail fraud she pleaded guilty to. Both defendants are subject to an additional mandatory two-year imprisonment term for aggravated identity theft.
This case was investigated jointly by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
Sentencing dates have been set: Shuler will be sentenced on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 am; Bradham’s sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2025, at 9:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
For further information about public court documents or details regarding this case within the Northern District of Florida’s jurisdiction under U.S.A.O., visit their official website.
