February 18, 2022
TAMPA, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Kervin Moreno, 50, on charges of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, a third-degree felony. This is the third time agents have arrested Moreno, who was previously charged with scheme to defraud following a real estate scam.
FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell said, “With the current housing market being very uncertain for many in the Tampa Bay area, this is the last type of scam consumers need. I applaud our agents for their tenacity and attention to detail throughout this investigation.”
In January, FDLE agents reviewed documents that Moreno submitted to the court as part of his scheme to defraud case. Investigators say the documents had been altered and fabricated, as confirmed by a witness. Investigators then notified the court. As a result, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Agents originally arrested Moreno in 2017 after he placed ads on Craigslist and other websites to advertise homes for sale or rent. However, Moreno neither owned the homes nor had authority to sell them. He collected down payments or deposits on eight homes throughout Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties without providing anything of value. The monetary loss to victims is estimated at nearly $50,000.
The victims only became aware of the scam after receiving foreclosure notices and visits from lender representatives.
Moreno was arrested on the new charges Wednesday, and his bond was revoked. The case is being prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
