In a shocking case of white-collar crime, Orlando resident Leone Alfano La Cava has been sentenced to 8 years and 1 month in federal prison for his role in a massive wire fraud scheme that defrauded Italian investors out of over $5 million.
La Cava, 59, and his accomplice Viktoriya Johnson, 36, were found guilty of orchestrating an international real estate investment scheme that targeted at least 85 Italian investors. The scheme, which began in 2010, involved soliciting individuals to purchase real estate in Orange County that promised guaranteed rental income.
However, court documents reveal that La Cava and Johnson used falsified deeds and loan documents to convince investors that they were purchasing property owned by La Cava or Golden Investment, Inc., a real estate investment company incorporated by Johnson. In reality, those properties either did not exist, were never owned by La Cava, Johnson, or Golden Investment, or had already been sold to another investor.
La Cava and Johnson used portions of the funds sent by investors for their own personal use instead of purchasing the real estate promised to investors. Johnson received over $1.3 million in investor funds, which she used to purchase four properties and two luxury vehicles for herself.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan W. Hill, Chauncey A. Bratt, and Roger B. Handberg. La Cava had pleaded guilty on March 30, 2018, while Johnson was found guilty by a federal jury on April 13, 2018.
La Cava and Johnson will also be required to forfeit four properties and two luxury vehicles, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses. This case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of white-collar crime and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The sentencing of La Cava and Johnson marks a significant victory for the victims of this scheme, who have suffered significant financial losses. It also highlights the need for increased vigilance in the real estate investment industry to prevent such schemes from occurring in the future.
As Grimy Times continues to shed light on the darker side of human nature, we remain committed to exposing the truth and holding those responsible for their actions accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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