Luis Emilio Hernandez of Naples pleaded guilty on Mar. 25 to two counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering in a case involving the defrauding of an elderly victim after Hurricane Ian. Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for each money laundering count, according to U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The case centers on allegations that Hernandez convinced an 85-year-old victim to write personal checks totaling more than $1.2 million for construction materials and repairs that were never completed following the hurricane in 2022. Authorities said Hernandez cashed the checks for his own use, despite not holding a contractor’s license or obtaining any permits related to the supposed work.
Court records show that even after the victim sold their home, which was subsequently demolished, Hernandez continued contacting them through text messages and personal visits at their assisted living residence, persuading them to provide additional funds.
To hide where the money came from, prosecutors said Hernandez laundered funds by purchasing vehicles and trading them at several car dealerships across the area.
The investigation was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office along with the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey is prosecuting the case.
A sentencing date has not yet been set as proceedings continue.
