A Georgia man who thought he was engaged to a Florida sheriff's deputy discovered the relationship was likely fraudulent after a call linked the supposed fiancée to 25-year-old Caleb Jonquay Mills. Investigators allege Mills used photos taken from a real deputy's Facebook account, created fake social profiles and used voice-altering technology to impersonate a woman. The victim, who never met the person in person, allegedly sent money and allowed use of his car; family members grew suspicious and helped identify Mills. Mills was arrested July 20 on identity-fraud and related charges, and detectives have since identified additional alleged victims in multiple states.
One Phone Call Unmasked an Alleged Catfish: Man Thought He Was Engaged to a Florida Deputy
Caleb MillsCredit: Athens-Clarke County Police
A Georgia man who believed he was engaged to a woman identifying herself as a Florida sheriff's deputy was reportedly stunned when a single phone call linked the supposed fiancée to a 25-year-old man from South Carolina.
How the Alleged Scheme Was Uncovered
According to an Athens-Clarke County police report cited by 11Alive, officers asked the victim to call his fiancée, who went by the name Hailey Morello. When the victim placed the call, the incoming ring matched a phone belonging to Caleb Jonquay Mills. The victim's own photo appeared on Mills' phone under a contact labeled "hubbs," prompting investigators to tell the victim that Mills was allegedly operating the fake identity. The victim was described as "in shock."
What Investigators Allege
Police say Mills constructed the fictitious persona using photographs taken from the social media account of an actual Florida sheriff's deputy. Investigators allege he maintained multiple fake profiles and even used voice-altering technology to make phone conversations sound feminine. Authorities also say the victim sent money and allowed the purported fiancée to use his vehicle; the two reportedly exchanged cars at times.
Caleb MillsCredit: Athens-Clarke County Police
"As technology and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, online scams and catfishing schemes can become increasingly sophisticated," the Athens-Clarke County Police Department warned.
Timeline And Actions
Family members had grown suspicious and conducted their own inquiries, which led them to identify Mills as a possible suspect. Police were called to a family dispute at the victim's apartment on July 11, during which the alleged fiancée spoke on speakerphone and presented herself as a law enforcement officer. In the days that followed, someone calling as the victim reportedly phoned police to complain about family harassment; investigators believe those calls were also made by Mills while impersonating the victim.
On July 20, an investigator saw a vehicle arrive at the apartment and recognized the driver as Mills. The man identified himself as "Alex Morello" and claimed Mills was his brother; officers later had the victim call his fiancée and say Mills' phone rang. Mills was arrested that day on identity-fraud and related charges.
Broader Investigation And Warning
In a Sept. 3 Facebook post, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said detectives have since identified additional alleged victims across multiple states and urged anyone who may have been targeted to file a police report. Authorities emphasized caution when someone you have never met requests money, gifts or access to personal property.
Note: These are allegations under investigation. No conviction is reported in the available sources.
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