Investigators say a 75-year-old woman lost about $25,310. The suspect was arrested in Miami and later released on bond.
PALM COAST, Fla. — An American Airlines flight attendant was arrested at Miami International Airport in connection with an alleged Palm Coast sweepstakes scam that cost a 75-year-old woman about $25,310, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the suspect as Destiny Blake, 24, of Brooklyn, New York. U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested her on a Flagler County warrant, the sheriff’s office said. She was later released from Miami-Dade County jail on a $30,000 bond.
Investigators trace payments and travel
According to the charging affidavit, the woman received a call in November 2025 from someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House. The caller told her she had won a prize and instructed her to mail a $500 gift card to Blake. The affidavit does not identify Blake as the caller.
Detectives allege Blake used her employee travel benefits to fly standby to Daytona Beach on Nov. 18, 2025. She visited the woman’s Palm Coast home the next morning before returning to the airport, investigators said.
The affidavit lists $14,220 in cash and Zelle payments and 88 credit-card transactions totaling $10,590.30. Including the gift card, investigators calculated the woman’s losses at approximately $25,310.30.
Investigators also reported finding a note instructing the woman to tell her credit-card company that Blake was her granddaughter and could use the account.
Charges and reporting information
The sheriff’s office said Blake was arrested on charges of organized scheme to defraud a person 65 or older, fraudulent use of personal identification information of a person 60 or older, and grand theft. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Anyone who believes they had similar financial contact with Blake is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office at 386-313-4911. The agency also provides senior-fraud prevention resources.
Sources: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announcement and charging affidavit.
