Couple Arrested for Scamming Miami Beach Homeowner Out of $650K

Couple Arrested for Scamming Miami Beach Homeowner Out of $650K

In a shocking case that has taken Miami Beach by storm, a couple has been arrested for allegedly conning a homeowner out of over $650,000. The suspects, 25-year-old Krystyna Maistrenko from Russia and 51-year-old William Richmond, face serious charges, including organized scheme to defraud and grand theft of more than $100,000. These acts reportedly unfolded under the guise of their business, Elite Home Miami LLC, located at 14005 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami Beach. Richmond even misled the victim by presenting himself as Vladimir Maistrenko.

The victim initially sought the couple’s services for high-end Italian millwork in 2023. However, what began as a seemingly straightforward transaction spiraled into a nightmare. The suspects demanded substantial advance payments for materials purportedly necessary for the project, dangling a 3% discount for full payment upfront. Responding to their claims, the victim transferred a staggering total of $653,652 through multiple wire transactions: $515,000 on October 25, 2023; $77,350 on November 16, 2023; and $61,302 on December 21, 2023.

The Deceptive Timeline

Delivery dates for the materials were set between February 18, 2024, and May 17, 2024, with installation expected by June 2024. As time passed and no materials arrived, the homeowner became increasingly anxious. The final blow came with an unexpected invoice for an additional $99,370 on October 17, 2024, which he wisely refused to pay. Disturbed by the mounting evidence of fraud, the victim reported the incident to the Miami Beach Police on October 30, 2024.

Detectives investigating the case found that Maistrenko and Richmond had diverted the victim’s money to settle personal debts. Notably, over $253,000 was funneled towards a defaulted mortgage loan linked to Maistrenko. Funds were also spent on legal fees and foreclosure-related expenses. The couple was arrested in North Miami Beach and is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, facing serious consequences.

The Legal Framework

Under Florida law, such fraudulent activities are not taken lightly. The Florida Legislature has recognized a rising trend in fraud schemes that utilize communications technology, leading to the establishment of the Florida Communications Fraud Act. This act consolidates existing laws to offer stronger protections against deceitful practices.

• Organized fraud, a first-degree felony, applies if property valued at $50,000 or more is involved.
• Second-degree felonies are categorized for property valued between $20,000 and $50,000.
• Even a third-degree felony can be charged for property valued under $20,000.

Moreover, communications fraud encapsulates schemes that involve deception through various communication methods, carrying severe penalties based on the value involved. If the amount is $300 or more, it’s a third-degree felony. Even smaller sums can lead to a first-degree misdemeanor, ensuring that fraud of any scale is prosecuted.

The implications for those victims, especially vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or disabled, are particularly serious, as enhanced penalties often apply. In this case, with the staggering amount of over $650,000 in question, the ramifications could prove dire for Maistrenko and Richmond.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale, reminding homeowners to tread carefully when considering high-stakes renovations and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of contractors. With the law firmly against such schemes, justice may soon be served for the unfortunate victim of this brazen fraud.