Fort Lauderdale, FL – In a shocking turn of events, a federal jury in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, yesterday found Manuel Rodriguez guilty of fraud in connection with a coffee machine business opportunity scheme, announced the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The verdict, which came after a two-week trial in which 14 witnesses took the stand, found Rodriguez guilty on all seven counts submitted to it, one count of conspiracy and six counts of wire fraud.
Rodriguez was taken into federal custody upon the jury’s verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for December 7, 2011.
At trial, witnesses testified that Rodriguez engaged in his scheme through the operation of three companies: M & D Gourmet Coffee Inc. of Boca Raton, Florida, Coffee Heaven LLC of Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Divino Trio Coffee & Vending Company of Fort Lauderdale.
The jury heard testimony that the defendant and a co-conspirator made similar misrepresentations to consumers in connection with each of these companies with the same effect – a loss of tens of thousands of dollars per consumer.
Victims at trial testified that the defendant and his businesses offered a business package that included coffee machines, locations in which to place those machines, and on-going support and assistance in the operation of a coffee machine business. Witnesses explained that they lost amounts from $15,000 to $192,000 in the scheme.
“Protecting consumers from financial fraud is one of our top priorities,” said Tony West, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division.
The case was prosecuted by attorneys John Claud and Matthew Ebert of the Consumer Protection Branch.
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Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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