Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida
Julie Michelle Shuler and Taylor Skiey Bradham, both residents of Tallahassee, Florida, have admitted guilt in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Julie Michelle Shuler also confessed to four counts of mail fraud. This announcement was made 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.”
According to court documents, Shuler and Bradham were employed by a company responsible for customer service and records administration for the Florida Prepaid College Program. They misused their positions to access personal identifying information (PII) of account owners and beneficiaries without authorization or knowledge from those individuals. The duo conspired to alter ownership details on existing contracts within the program unlawfully. Subsequently, they orchestrated contract terminations leading to refund checks being sent to addresses they specified. These checks were then cashed or deposited into bank accounts under their control or that of accomplices. Their fraudulent activities led them to steal or attempt theft totaling approximately $86,000 from program funds.
The penalties facing Shuler and Bradham include up to twenty years' imprisonment with three years of supervision post-release for conspiracy charges. Additionally, Shuler faces similar penalties for each count of mail fraud she pleaded guilty to. Both face an obligatory two-year imprisonment term consecutive with other sentences related to aggravated identity theft.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting this case.
Sentencing dates are set with Shuler scheduled on August 6, 2025, at 10:00 am and Bradham on September 15, 2025, at 9:00 am before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
For further information about public court documents or details regarding the U.S Attorney's Office for Northern District of Florida can be accessed online through designated websites.
