Clearwater Man Accused of $2.4K Resort Room Fraud in Florida Keys

A Clearwater man faces grand theft and fraud charges after allegedly charging over $2,400 in hotel services to another guest’s room at a Florida Keys resort without her knowledge. Malachi Ethan Keasler, 26, was arrested Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Keasler was booked into the Monroe County Jail on charges of grand theft, possession of another person’s identification (over 60), and scheme to defraud. His arrest follows the December 2025 arrest of Emma Camille Wallace, 24, of Hollywood, Florida, on similar charges.

Authorities accuse Keasler of charging drinks, food, apparel and other items to the victim’s room at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada. The investigation began in September 2025 when the guest discovered $900 in unauthorized charges. Resort security identified additional illegal charges, and the hotel reimbursed the victim $2,419.

Detectives collaborated with resort security and Clearwater Police to obtain a warrant for Keasler’s arrest. The investigation is ongoing. Keasler does not have an attorney listed. Wallace's attorney, Sherry Ivey Jones, stated her client pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a court appearance Nov. 16, 2026.