Several Miami residents have been arrested while others are being sought by state authorities for their involvement in mortgage fraud, marijuana trafficking and racketeering. The Highlands County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued four arrest warrants with six more to be served. The investigation into the case began in 2007 with the discovery and dismantling of several "grow houses". It is unclear at this point whether the those arrested will seek representation from Miami criminal lawyers or criminal attorneys from the Orlando area.
Lesman Chavarria of Miami, Yelenies Viera of Hialeah, Maria Lurbe of Miami and Alexander Yanes of Miami were arrested and booked on the following charges: racketeering (RICO), mortgage fraud, marijuana trafficking and conspiracy. The initial judge at the bond hearing set bail in the amount of $50,000 for each defendant. Law enforcement did not set forth a time-line for severing the remaining warrants, however, they did acknowledge that the arrest warrants all contained the same or similar criminal offenses.
Highlands County law enforcement have stepped up their efforts to investigate and make arrests in marijuana trafficking and cultivation operations within their jurisdiction. These ongoing marijuana trafficking investigations are being conducted by Highlands County Sheriff's Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Florida Legislature has enacted serious penalties in an effort to curtail marijuana trafficking. Possession of more than 25 pounds of marijuana or 300 or more marijuana plants can result in a three year minimum prison sentence. Possession of more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana or 2,000 or more marijuana plants can result in a seven year minimum prison sentence. Possession of more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana or 10,000 plants can result in a fifteen year minimum prison sentence.
After numerous marijuana "grow house" arrests, the investigations later revealed the homes used to grow the marijuana were purchased though mortgage fraud schemes. Many other law enforcement agencies have discovered that "grow houses" have been obtained through various mortgage fraud schemes. Miami and South Florida have been the home to the largest number of marijuana trafficking and mortgage fraud cases in the United States.
Mortgage Fraud Leads to Racketeering and Marijuana Trafficking Arrests, Newssun.com, October 27, 2009.
