Pappalardo’s Time Share Fraud Sentence: 20 Years Behind Bars

FBI agent Michael B. Steinbach announced that Pasquale Pappalardo, a 60-year-old Coral Springs, FL resident, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for masterminding a $1 million time-share resale telemarketing fraud. The former owner of Timeshare Mega Media and Marketing Group (TMMMG) faces a restitution order of over $1 million and a forfeiture of $3.5 million.

Pappalardo was convicted in 2013 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. His co-defendant, Audwin Lovinsky, received a 33-month sentence for his role in the scam. The operation defrauded around 3,000 customers out of approximately $5 million.

According to evidence, Pappalardo and Joseph Crapella stole customer files from Time Share Market Pro (TMP) to establish TMMMG, which preyed on timeshare owners by claiming fake sales. Salesmen, including Lovinsky, asked for exorbitant fees ranging from $1,996 to $10,000, under the guise of securing these non-existent sales.

Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, praised the FBI’s investigative efforts, along with support from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, FTC, and Broward Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey N. Kaplan is handling the prosecution.

This sentence sends a strong message against white-collar crime in our community. For more information, visit USAO for the Southern District of Florida and District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Pappalardo’s case is a stark reminder of how white-collar crime can devastate individuals and families. His sentence serves as a deterrent to others considering similar fraudulent activities.