Three Limestone County residents accused of swindling more than $18,000 from an Athens man have been charged with theft by deception, records show.

The following three were arrested on the following charges:

• Charlie Henry Haggermaker, 24, of 23727 Norman Lane, Elkmont, first-degree theft by deception for his part in allegedly taking $15,705;

• Kasciti Ashton Gist, 24, same address, first-degree theft by deception for her part in allegedly taking $15,705; and

• Scotty Lee Haggermaker, 41, same address, third-degree theft by deception for his part in allegedly taking $1,490.

The victim told Limestone County Sheriff’s Office he was approached by a friend in January who said Scotty Haggermaker and two others needed money. The three would give him their entire income tax check if he would loan them money now. The friend told the victim he loaned money to them in the past and they had followed through with their promise, though the friend had loaned them only $1,800.

The victim told investigators he did not stop giving the three money because they kept texting him saying they needed money for their kids, car, home, etc. He told investigators he would give the three a little money here and there because they would send pictures of income tax checks, which showed he was going to make some money. When the victim noticed the total loaned had reached $18,225, he began questioning the recipients about repaying him and realized they had no intention of doing so. When the victim told the three he was going to take action, they said the money was a gift and that nothing could be done about it.

Lt. Johnny Morell made the case and obtained arrest warrants.

The three were released from the Limestone County Jail Monday after posting bail, which had been set at $5,000 for Gist and Charlie Haggenmaker and at $1,500 for Scotty Haggermaker.