On February 25^th, 2025, a Clermont County Grand Jury indicted Cody Winn for additional charges in connection with the original indictment dated December 26^th, 2024. The new charges are as follows:

(3) counts of Telecommunications Fraud, all felonies of the 3^rd degree

(6) counts of Theft, all felonies of the 4^th degree

Following the previous indictment, the investigation led detectives to locate and contact three more victims. These additional victims provided statements consistent with the others regarding Winn's involvement in the scam. As a result, the total amount of money allegedly stolen has now reached $1,040,500. 

Winn is currently out on a reporting bond. His next hearing is on March 4^th, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in front of Clermont County Common Pleas Court Judge Victor Haddad. Arrangements for Winn's arrest are currently being coordinated through his attorney.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Cody Winn, age 27, of Clermont County, was indicted on December 26^th, 2024 for his role in a business internet scam.

A Clermont County Grand Jury returned an indictment for Winn on the following charges:

(31) counts of Telecommunications Fraud, all felonies of the 3^rd degree

(62) counts of Theft, all felonies of the 4^th degree

On October 17^th, 2023, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit was notified by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) of the State of California about a potential internet scam being conducted by a resident of Batavia Township, Clermont County. The OCSO forwarded a report in which a California resident detailed their interaction with a person named "Cody Clay" from a business called Market Modern LLC. Clay promised a lucrative investment opportunity, claiming the victim would receive a full return of their initial investment after three months, followed by ongoing profits. The victim provided $25,000 to fund the creation of an automated Amazon store; however, after months without progress, the victim was unable to contact anyone to request a refund.

Upon receiving this report, the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation and concluded through records that “Cody Clay” was Batavia Township resident, Cody Winn. Winn was discovered to be operating a YouTube channel marketing his business plan to potential clients. After numerous complaints to law enforcement agencies from Winn’s victims, the YouTube channel in question was changed.

During the investigation, Clermont deputies learned that Winn was responsible for collecting payments from investors and forwarding the funds to a separate organization to help with management. This organization, a global e-commerce company operating across multiple countries, used the payments to set up and manage online stores for the investors, handle inventory, and oversee shipping, generating income for both the company and the investors. Victim testimonies indicated that Winn was involved in this operation between March and October of 2023. Deputies confirmed through communication with the company's staff that Winn had failed to forward payments for several investors who had entrusted him with their money. The Sheriff's Office contacted 31 of these investors, each of whom had paid Winn between $25,000 and $60,000. The investors also reported multiple attempts to contact Winn and his business for a refund, but received no response.

The total amount reported stolen amassed $965,500. Victims of this scheme were located in states including: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia

A review of Winn’s bank records between March and September of 2023 show he would have hundreds of thousands of dollars deposited into his accounts. Each month he would spend between $50,000 and $365,000 on personal purchases and advertisement space for social media platforms. Winn was not willing to provide a statement to investigating deputies regarding this investigation.

Winn was taken into custody today without incident by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Clermont County Jail where he remains incarcerated without bond. He will appear before Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Anthony Brock on December 27^th, 2024 at 10:00am for his arraignment on the charges outlined in the above described indictment.

Any additional inquiries related to this indictment or pending charges should be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutors Office at 513-732-7313

Cody Winn, age 27