Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Political Consultant In Florida Arrested, Charged With PPP Fraud
According to a report from the Florida Record, a political consultant from Brevard County has been arrested and charged with fraud in connection with an alleged improper PPP loan. Robert Burns—the owner of a Florida company called the Space Coast Rocket—faces charges for allegedly providing false information to the government to obtain a PPP… Read More »
Doctor In South Florida Arrested On Child Sex Crime Offense After Tip From Authorities
In April of 2024, The Palm Beach Post reported that Thomas Lipin—a licensed physician from Jupiter, Florida who has been practicing medicine for more than three decades—has been arrested and charged with a child pornography offense. Dr. Lipin was arrested as part of an investigation by the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task… Read More »
Fort Lauderdale Woman Arrested, Charged With Federal Crime For “Romance Fraud” Scheme
On May 15th, 2024, The Miami New Times reported that Cristine Petitfrere was arrested in Fort Lauderdale and charged with several serious federal felony offenses for her role in orchestrating a “romance fraud” scheme. She was taken into custody by authorities. Within this article, our Orlando white collar criminal defense lawyer discusses the charges…. Read More »
Two Doctors In Florida Sentenced In Eight Figure Medicare Fraud Case
On April 12th, 2024, Bloomberg Law News two doctors in Florida were sentenced to prison as part of an approximately $31 million dollar Medicare fraud case. Dean Zusmer and Lawrence Alexander have been sentenced to serve approximately eight years and thirty-three months in prison respectively for their role in the massive fraud scheme. Below,… Read More »
Federal Jury In Miami Convicts Former Comptroller General Of Ecuador Of Bribery/Money Laundering
On April 24th, 2024, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Carlos Ramon Polit Faggioni—the former Comptroller General of Ecuador—has been convicted by a federal jury in Miami of multiple white collar criminal offenses, including bribery and money laundering. Mr. Polit allegedly solicited and pocketed more than $10 million in bribes between… Read More »
Doctor From Miami-Dade County Sentenced To Ten Years In Prison For Prescribing Medication Without Exams
On April 29th, 2024, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Osmin Morales—a doctor who owned and operated the Miami Pain Relief Institute—has been sentenced to serve ten years in federal prison for his role in a drug distribution scheme. Dr. Morales reportedly prescribed controlled substances without even conducting examinations in many cases. Below, our… Read More »
Florida Man Sentenced In PPP Fraud And Identity Theft Case
On March 19th, 2024, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Christopher Leo Daragjati of Clay County, Florida has been sentenced to prison in a complex fraud case. Mr. Daragjati—who is accused of both PPP fraud and identity theft—pleaded guilty to five separate criminal charges last year. Here, our Orlando white collar… Read More »
A Guide To Your Rights At DUI Checkpoints In Florida
Did you pull up to a DUI checkpoint in Florida? Law enforcement agencies throughout the state periodically use roadside drunk driving checkpoints as a deterrence and enforcement tool. At The Baez Law Firm, we want to make sure that you know your rights and your responsibilities. Within this blog post, our Orlando drunk driving… Read More »
DOJ: Man In Central Florida Sentenced For Role In Nigerian Romance Scam
On April 23rd, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Niselio Barros Garcia Jr.—a 50-year-old man from Central Florida—has been sentenced to prison for his role in a so-called “Nigerian romance scam.” Mr. Garcia Jr. is set to serve 48 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit money… Read More »
Woman In South Florida Arrested For Allegedly Performing Unlicensed Cosmetic Operations
According to a report from NBC 6 South Florida, a woman in South Florida has been arrested based on accusations that she performed unlicensed medical procedures. Angelina Andreoli, 29 years of age, is alleged to have provided unlicensed cosmetic operations at a clinic location in Miami. She is facing a serious criminal charge for… Read More »