Cedric Griffin did not show up for his final pre-trial date May 4, 2023, according to court records. Investigators said he stole $5.8 million over two years.

Credit: JSO

Cedric Griffin, 48.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville man accused of a Ponzi scheme involving millions of dollars who fled from authorities in 2023 was arrested Monday.

Cedric Griffin, 48, is charged with organized fraud and five counts of failure of a defendant to appear on bail.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said Griffin stole $5.8 million over the course of two years from investors, according to federal court documents. In 2022, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for Griffin for multiple grand theft cases.

State Assistant Attorney with the Special Prosecution Division Adam Duso said in 2023 the victims include small business owners, individuals and the African-American community. Duso later stated a red flag was Griffin guaranteeing a return.

“He approached them with a pitch that he was investing in real estate,” Duso said. “And real estate securities and convinced over 50 people to invest with him in amounts ranging from $10,000 to as much as $1 million.”

According to JSO report, the agency received numerous tips from people who said they had given money to Griffin to invest in real estate through his firm "G8 Equity" on Baymeadows Road. The North Florida Cyber Fraud Task Force interviewed 56 people who invested money between January and July 2022. The report said he usually found investors by word of mouth referrals.

Though Griffin originally told victims he could make them 10-15% on their investments. The victims were concerned when he did not return phone calls, the report said.

The victims reported approximately $1.25 million was returned though "over the course of your Affiant’s investigation, it was determined that none of the currency received from the Victims in this scheme were used to invest in real property or any other agreed upon investments. Further investigation revealed that the Suspect in this scheme used monies received from the Victims and gave it to other individuals, previous investors, and used the invested funds for personal expenditures to his personal benefit," the report said.

Griffin's next court date is set for Feb. 10.

Good news for all you forgetful romantic types: You didn't forget Valentine's Day, at least not yet. That means you can wait until Monday to order chocolates, book spa days and call your favorite florist, and spend the weekend rocking in the woods, laughing in the Florida Theatre, celebrating at Theatre Jacksonville, admiring cool rides in Hastings and running through Jacksonville Beach in your underwear.

February fun:Things to do in Jacksonville in February instead of shoveling snow

Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series

7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine.

The annual series of music on the site of the first free Black settlement in what is now the United States gets started this weekend. The series kicks off Thursday, Feb. 6, with a performance by jazz collective Snarky Puppy ($69-$79). Detroit singer-songwriter KEM headlines Friday's show ($74-$124) and Tower of Power plays Saturday ($69-$119). The series continues next weekend with Dinner Party, Macy Gray and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Sal Vulcano

7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the Florida Theatre. $39.75-$59.75.

When your parents name you Salvatore Vulcano, you’re almost destined to be funny. Vulcano is the breakout star from the crew behind the “Impractical Jokers” TV show. Info: floridatheatre.com

Sarah's Silver Sessions

Feb. 7-9 at Theatre Jacksonville. $31-$75.

Sarah Boone, executive director of Theatre Jacksonville, celebrates 25 years in the post with three of her favorite shows. She’ll take the stage herself for “Mom Before Dad,” a personal story about her own mother (7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 2 p.m. Feb. 8, $31). Broadway veteran Ann Talman stars in “Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile” (7:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Feb. 9, $33). Dorothy Bishop, who co-starred last summer with Linda Purl in “Mame” at the Florida Theatre, performs her one-woman “Dozen Divas” show (10 p.m. Feb. 8, $33). Info: theatrejax.com

Silver Sessions:Theatre Jacksonville director celebrating quarter-century with cabaret weekend

Boulevard Car Show

10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, on Main Street in Hastings. Free.

Dozens of classic cars will line the main drag of the picturesque little town in St. Johns County, midway between St. Augustine and Palatka, for the eighth annual event. Info: visitstaugustine.com

Cupid’s Undie Run

Noon Saturday, Feb. 8, at Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jacksonville Beach. $40.

Who wouldn’t want to go for a casual jog in their skivvies, especially if it’s for a good cause? You’ll run for a mile or so and raise money to fight NF, a series of neurofibromatosis-related diseases. But we really don’t want to know where you plan to keep your phone and car keys while you’re running. Info: my.cupids.org

Jacksonville, FL (February 6, 2025) – Emergency responders were called to the scene of a vehicle crash with reported injuries at the Forsyth St Exit 352B on Interstate 95 Northbound in Jacksonville. While the exact dispatch and arrival times have not been disclosed, authorities confirmed that emergency medical services were on-site to provide immediate assistance to those injured in the collision.

First responders assessed and treated individuals suffering from a variety of injuries at the scene. Although the extent of injuries and the number of people involved have not been released, some victims were likely transported to nearby hospitals for further medical evaluation and care.

Despite the severity of the crash, there are no roadblocks reported, and traffic continues to flow normally in the area. Law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, considering factors such as driver behavior, vehicle conditions, and the possibility of external influences like weather or road surface issues. Motorists are advised to remain cautious while traveling through this section of I-95 as the investigation proceeds.

Our thoughts are with those injured in this accident, and we hope for their full and speedy recovery.

Interstate Accidents in Florida

Crashes on Florida's interstates, such as the one that occurred today at the Forsyth St Exit 352B on I-95 Northbound in Jacksonville, are common due to the high-speed nature of highway travel and the complex design of exit and entrance ramps. Areas like exit ramps are particularly prone to accidents as drivers often need to decelerate rapidly or navigate tight curves, increasing the potential for collisions.

In Jacksonville, I-95 is one of the most heavily trafficked highways, and its interchanges can be challenging for drivers unfamiliar with the area or those attempting to merge during peak travel times. Factors like distracted driving, sudden braking, and improper lane changes frequently contribute to accidents in these high-traffic zones.

For individuals involved in interstate crashes, the recovery process can be overwhelming, involving both medical treatments and the complexities of insurance and legal claims. It's essential to understand your rights and have access to the necessary resources to ensure a smooth recovery process.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a highway accident, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect accident victims with trusted legal professionals and medical providers who can assist with every step of the recovery process. Don’t navigate this difficult time alone—reach out today for the support and guidance you need.

After more than two decades of delivering the news, another Jacksonville TV anchor is stepping away from the anchor desk.

Dawn Lopez, who co-anchors Action News Jax This Morning and Action News Jax at Noon, is leaving the news organization.

Seated next to her longtime co-anchor Phil Amato, Lopez made the announcement on-air Thursday morning, her final day at Action News Jax, which broadcasts its newscasts on CBS affiliate WJAX-TV 47 and FOX affiliate WFOX-TV 30

“I’m gonna miss you all,” Lopez told viewers. “But I keep saying ‘It’s just new chapters, it’s not goodbye.’ “

“Thank you, Dawn,” Amato said, celebrating Lopez’s work at the station and in the community as well as their friendship.

“For more than 25 years, this anchor desk has been Dawn’s place to connect with you and tell your stories,” Amato said in a produced video. “I had the honor sit next to her every morning, so I got a front-row seat to see what a gift she truly is. To watch her bring joy to those around her. To see her serve her community with so much passion ... So as we send off my good friend, Dawn Lopez, I think I speak for the whole city of Jacksonville when I say ‘Thank you, Dawn.’ “

Action News anchor John Bachman left station in July 2024

Lopez’s departure comes six months after anchor John Bachman left the station in late July.

"Tonight is my last night with Action News Jax. I hate these things. After 10 years [at Action News] and 27 years in TV news, it is time for a change," said Bachman, who had anchored the station’s marquee newscasts at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. on WJAX and at 6:30 and 10 p.m. on WFOX.

After leaving the station, Bachman and a partner launched a communications company in the area.

News4Jax anchor Tom Wills retires after 49 years at WJXT

Bachman’s departure was the second notable TV anchor departure of 2024.

Two months earlier, legendary TV news anchor Tom Wills left WJXT/News4Jax after 49 years at the station. And in another shocker, First Coast News chief meteorologist Tim Deegan announced in November that he would leave WTLV, the station he has called home for 42 years, in May 2025.

Lopez, a Jacksonville native and University of North Florida graduate, had anchored the morning and noon newscasts at Action News since then-WTEV TV-47 became Jacksonville’s CBS affiliate in July 2002 after WJXT TV-4 split from CBS after 53 years.

A fixture on morning TV for a quarter century, Lopez was one of the longest-tenured on-air personalities at Action News. For the station’s viewers, Lopez was a steady presence in daytime as high-profile anchors have come and gone at Action News’ evening broadcasts, including Bachman in July 2024 and the 2014 departures of Mark Spain, Paige Kelton and Tera Barz. (Kelton remained at the station in other roles until March 2021.) Morning anchors Lynnsey Gardner and Mike Barz also left in 2014.

Also:3 weeks after pancreatic cancer diagnosis, former Jacksonville TV news anchor dies at 64

Before joining Action News, Lopez worked for affiliates in Columbus, Georgia, and High Point, North Carolina, according to a profile on actionnewsjax.com.

“What a privilege, what an honor,” Lopez told viewers Thursday morning. “... I thank you for your support.”