Authorities in Florida say a Georgia prison inmate has admitted to posing as a sheriff’s deputy in a phone scam that stole money from a Palm Coast, Florida resident.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, 32-year-old Abraham Rivas, an inmate at Dooly State Prison in south Georgia, is accused of pretending to be a sheriff’s deputy and convincing a victim to send two $500 payments through Zelle. The victim believed the money was needed to cover bond and an ankle monitor after a spouse had recently been arrested.

Investigators traced the money to Rivas’ prison commissary account. During an interview with detectives, authorities say Rivas admitted carrying out the scam and claimed he used the stolen money to purchase marijuana inside the prison. He also alleged that other inmates were involved in similar schemes using contraband cell phones, though the Georgia Department of Corrections says it has found no evidence that correctional staff were involved.

Rivas, who is already serving a Georgia prison sentence for aggravated assault, theft by taking, and robbery by sudden snatching, now faces additional Florida charges, including organized scheme to defraud and grand theft. Florida authorities say he will be extradited after completing his Georgia sentence. Officials continue to remind the public that law enforcement agencies will never call and demand money for bond, warrants, or electronic monitoring devices.