The Broward County Sheriff's Office sent out hundreds of the letters, telling the fugitive recipients they were entitled to money from recently settled estates. The letters from corporate officers Rahinsky, LeBlanc, Davis and Murray -- all sheriff's office supervisors -- instructed the recipients to appear in person at a Dania hotel.

When two dozen did so Wednesday, undercover agents arrested them on fugitive charges ranging from communications fraud to vehicular homicide. One of the suspects, Frank Hinterholzer, 56, was arrested on fraud charges stemming from a phony inheritance scheme. Another, grand theft suspect James Jablonski, telephoned long-distance to say that he wanted to claim his money, but had moved to Tallahassee. Deputies obligingly arranged an appointment with Tallahassee Police, who arrested Jablonski.