Four South Florida brothers entered guilty pleas in federal court for their involvement in a Miami marijuana trafficking and Miami mortgage fraud rings. The defendants admitted in open court that they fraudulently obtained 18 mortgages to purchase homes throughout the State of Florida. The homes were purchased to be used as "grow houses" for a massive marijuana trafficking ring. "Grow houses" were once legitimate homes now used to grow marijuana hydroponically with self-contained watering and lighting conditions. If someone is charged with marijuana trafficking or mortgage fraud it is imperative to hire a Miami criminal lawyer with vast experience defending such matters.
Manuel Pupo, Elieser Pupo, Serguey Pupo and Elmer Pupo entered guilty pleas to a litany of crimes including drug trafficking, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and mortgage fraud. The sentencing for all four defendants is scheduled for December 11, 2009 in federal court where they each face between 20 and 40 years in prison. The Pupo brothers purchased numerous houses by committing mortgage fraud. They hired illegal immigrants to cultivate marijuana and paid for their living expenses. The four defendants purchased the marijuana and the tools necessary to maintain a hydroponic garden and taught their employees how to cultivate the crop.
Once the marijuana was cultivated and harvested, they would pick up their crop, sell it, and give a percentage of the proceeds to the individuals who grew the marijuana. Investigators from the Port St. Lucie Police Department uncovered the marijuana trafficking ring in 2006. The defendants raised between $200,000 and $400,000 per crop and would use the proceeds to pay the mortgages on the "grow houses". In furtherance of the money laundering operation, the defendants would pay the farmers in cash, but they were required to pay back some of the proceeds by way of rent checks for living in the homes.
South Florida and Miami marijuana trafficking cases have become prevalent with the economic downturn in the economy. With a lack of employment opportunities, individuals have become drug traffickers to earn a living. With the possibility of enrichment, also comes the consequence of potentially serving a long prison term. Last year, the Florida legislature promulgated new laws that enhance penalties for persons who engage in marijuana trafficking.
Pot Planters Plead Guilty of Massive Mortgage Fraud, UPI.com, October 2, 2009
