Show-Me State Times

A Georgia woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to her role in a scam that targeted victims in Missouri and Kansas by impersonating law enforcement officers. Ariel Burden, 33, entered her plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of wire fraud.

According to court documents, Burden was part of a group that contacted victims using phone numbers made to appear as if they belonged to local law enforcement agencies. The callers falsely identified themselves as police officers or individuals affiliated with law enforcement and told victims they had outstanding warrants for missing court appearances. Victims were then instructed to pay thousands of dollars to a bondswoman—Burden, who used the alias “Jennifer Davis”—to avoid arrest.

During these interactions, the scammers remained in contact with their targets until meetings were arranged between the victims and Burden. At these meetings, she collected payments and provided receipts containing fake citation numbers and other fabricated details.

One incident detailed in Burden’s plea agreement involved a victim from Jefferson County, Missouri. On February 28, 2024, this victim received a call from someone pretending to be with the Crystal City Police Department. The victim went to Crystal City’s City Hall and paid $12,000 for what was described as “bond” money. Burden gave the victim a receipt listing a false citation number (“ft9 CV 1892 COC CV 1893”), noting payment had been made to “Crystal City Court,” and indicating acceptance by “Jennifer Davis.”

In total, Burden admitted that three victims—two from Kansas—were defrauded out of $28,000 through this scheme.

Burden is scheduled for sentencing on January 14, 2026. She faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 on the wire fraud charge; restitution will also be ordered.

The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri and the McPherson Police Department in Kansas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is prosecuting the case.