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Georgia man allegedly stole millions in unclaimed Mass. property
Stayman was held on $2 million cash bail, which his lawyer called excessive, as he awaits sentencing for a separate federal case.
A Georgia man is accused of stealing millions in unclaimed Massachusetts property and funds, allegedly cashing checks for $1.1 million and attempting to claim $2.2 million more.
Shaka Stayman, 44, of Atlanta, is facing a total of 25 counts related to larceny over $1,200, attempted larceny, money laundering, uttering a false document, conspiracy, and presentation of false claims.
Stayman pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court on Friday after he was indicted in September, according to court records.
He is accused of fraudulently submitting seven separate claims for funds held by the state’s unclaimed property division between September 2023 and August of this year, according to Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office. Using the funds, he allegedly made payments on a luxury condo, vehicles, and “purchases of designer goods,” the AG said.
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Campbell said Stayman was issued three checks totaling more than $1.1 million. Investigators prevented the issuing of approximately $2.2 million in four remaining claims allegedly filed by Stayman.
Stayman selected high-value property held by the state and impersonated someone who could claim the property, the AG’s office alleged. According to court records and online obituaries, it appears he allegedly targeted at least four Massachusetts people who died and left behind money or property.
He allegedly submitted falsified and forged documents to the division of unclaimed property, created “ghost” phone numbers, and re-routed claim checks with mail-forwarding services. The AG said he also opened bank accounts in others’ names using fake identification.
‘He’s known he is going to federal prison for some time now’
Stayman was held on $2 million cash bail with conditions. His lawyer, Dan Reilly, said he would be unlikely able to post such a high cash bail.
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“We are disappointed in the exceedingly high cash bail imposed by the Court and believe it is far in excess of what is necessary to ensure his appearance for the case,” Reilly told Boston.com. “Mr. Stayman and I will be thoroughly reviewing all of the evidence in his case as we craft his defense strategy.”
Stayman pleaded guilty to federal charges in Alabama with an upcoming sentencing date in December, Reilly said in an email.
“He’s known he is going to federal prison for some time now, and didn’t try to flee then,” Reilly said. “He continues to enjoy strong family support. He looks forward to his day in court, and being one step closer to going home to them.”
His co-defendant, Dwight Tucker, is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, the AG said.
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