Orlando, FL – In a stunning turn of events, Keith Oelerich (62), owner of Apopka-based Empire Sheds and More, LLC, has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. The United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the charges against Oelerich, who now faces a minimum of two years up to twenty years in federal prison.
The plea agreement reveals that Oelerich engaged in fraudulent activities by using personal identifiable information of others to fabricate 1,043 rent-to-own agreements between December 2018 and September 2023. These false agreements were submitted to a loan financing company, resulting in payments totaling $17,964,680. In an agreement with the prosecution, Oelerich has committed to forfeiting the entire amount.
Empire Sheds and More, LLC was involved in an arrangement with the loan financing company where rent-to-own contracts between the shed company and its customers were submitted for payment. Under the terms of these agreements, the loan financing company would pay Empire Sheds the full purchase price of the sheds, while customers were required to make regular monthly rental payments.
According to investigators, Oelerich’s scheme involved creating false identities and rent-to-own contracts, which he then submitted for payment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that led to these charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey Bratt and Diane Hu are handling the prosecution.
Despite the significant financial gain, Oelerich’s actions have serious consequences. A sentencing date has not yet been set, but the gravity of his crimes is clear. The plea agreement serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions for those who engage in identity theft and wire fraud on a grand scale.
Empire Sheds and More, LLC is now under scrutiny following this revelation, with questions about its business practices and oversight. The incident underscores the importance of stringent security measures to protect against such crimes.
Related Federal Cases
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- Miami Dade Students, Target Employees Plead Guilty in Identity Theft Tax Fraud Scheme · Florida
- Alabama Contractor Sentenced to Nine Years for Wire Fraud · Alabama
- Miami Brothers Doled Out Heavy Sentence for ID Theft & Fraud · Florida
- Francois Accused of Identity Theft Tax Fraud · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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