Attorney Accused of PPP Fraud & Money Laundering

United States v.  Mariel Tollinchi

In cases alleging PPP fraud, EIDL fraud, and loan forgiveness application fraud, a South Florida federal grand jury recently charged Mariel Tollinchi, 35, of Miramar, Florida; along with other defendants with conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering.  It was alleged that Philossaint and his fiancée, Tollinchi, directly received PPP and EIDL loans of nearly $500,000.  PTI was retained to investigate the government's allegation and evidence against Tollinchi.  For 2 years, PTI was charged with sorting through financial records and FBI investigative reports.  PTI interviewed numerous witnesses in preparation for trial.   On April 2, 2024, after a 2-week trial, the Judge presiding in the federal case, acquitted Tollinchi.    

In 2020, PTI was asked by David Tucker, attorney and former President of Transition Inc to investigate Maylin Salado Garcia regarding her role as the executive director for a non-profit organization called Transition Inc. Transition Inc received federal grants of money through the state of Florida, which were used to provide job training and placement services in the community. Transition worked with, for example, the Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department’s (MDCR) Boot Camp Reentry Program, a federally funded program designed to provide education and training to inmates transitioning out of prison.  

After investigating the case, PTI uncovered that from April 2017 and February 2019, while Salado Garcia was employed at Transition, Salado Garcia created participant files and wage records using stolen PII to obtain federal funds for work that was never performed and, in some cases, to employees who were not employed at listed companies, and the few that did, received lower hourly wages than what Salado Garcia recorded in the participant files.   

PTI's investigation yielded that Salado did not act alone and was assisted by members of her family and other co-conspirators.   Salado Garcia represented in the participant files that the employees purportedly worked at companies owned by her co-conspirators; her mother, Niubis Garcia, and her significant other, Pujadas.  we additionally uncovered that Salado Garcia entered false payroll information into the Transition’s web-based payroll processor, including bank accounts owned by her and her co-conspirator, Rosales, to receive direct deposit payments from the federally funded programs which were intended for the purported employees. In addition, Rosales provided Salado Garcia with stolen PII to create the fraudulent participant files, while Pujadas also cashed the fraudulently obtained reimbursement checks at a check cashing store. 

After completing the investigation, the case was referred to the US Attorney's Office.  PTI provided a comprehensive presentation to the case agents and the assigned US attorney.   In April 2023, a Miami grand jury indicted Salado Garcia and (3) other defendants for their role in the scheme.  Salado Garcia and the conspirators have since pleaded guilty and are serving prison time. 

United States v. Lauren Rosecan, MD 

In 2021, Dr. Lauren Rosecan, a prominent South Florida ophthalmologist was charged with falsely diagnosing patients with malignant eye cancer and billing the federal Medicare program for unnecessary treatments was found not guilty in Fort Lauderdale federal court Thursday.  PTI handled the interview of numerous witnesses and was also in charge of analyzing the Government‘s evidence in preparation for trial. At trial, PTI assisted counsel with the defense presentation of the trial exhibits and the coordination of the defense witnesses. After a 2-week trial Dr. Rosecan, who heads The Retina Institute of Florida based in West Palm Beach, was acquitted of 22 counts of healthcare fraud, and submitting false statements to the taxpayer-funded Medicare insurance program. 

United States v. Lawrence Alexander, MD

In 2022, Lawrence Alexander, an Orthopedic Surgeon was federally charged in a multi-defendant case accusing Dr. Alexander of Medicare Fraud and other related charges.  PTI was retained to investigate the merits of the charges and conduct the witness interviews.  Additionally, PTI was asked at trial with the defense exhibits and the cross-examination of the witnesses.  After a 2-week, Dr. Alexander was acquitted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, but found guilty of a lesser charge relating to the filing of a medicare application.  

United States vs. Jacob Rus

Jacob Rus, a licensed Florida title agent, was accused of mortgage fraud, and PTI was retained to investigate the case. PTI interviewed numerous defense homeowner witnesses, who later were used at trial to refute the Government’s allegations. The investigation helped the defense attorney anticipate the witnesses’ testimony at trial.  More importantly, the witnesses gave explanations to the mortgage files, giving the defense an advantage at trial. After a 3-week trial, the jury acquitted Mr. Rus of all charges. .

 United States vs. Phillip Nahum

In 2006, the Government charged Phillip Nahum and his co-defendants with copyright infringements and counterfeit product charges.  The Government alleged Mr. Nahum sold counterfeit purses to an undercover I.C.E. agent when, in fact, he did not.  The Government issued search warrants and agents raided of all Mr. Nahum’s purse stores in Miami-Dade County.  PTI was retained to investigate the Government’s case, as well as locate and buy purses at local retail stores and malls that showed similar logo designs as the purses the Government claimed were fake.  At trial, PTI was called to testify and demonstrate the logo similarity of the client’s purses versus the one’s being sold in the high-end retail stores for the jury.  After a one-week trial, the jury acquitted the client and six co-defendants of all charges.

 NFL vs. Richie Incognito    

Richie Incognito, an NFL Player was investigated by the NFL regarding a bullying scandal. PTI was retained by the firm that represented Mr. Incognito to conduct the investigate the allegations. PTI interviewed numerous NFL players, coaches and witnesses. PTI was also charged with investigating Jonathan Martin, the accuser in the case.   

State of Florida v. Conor MCGregor

in 2023, Conor McGregor, MMA Fighter was accused of raping a woman inside a Miami Heat restroom.  PTI was retained by McGregor's attorneys to investigate the victim's allegations and interview any witnesses.  PTI secured statements from numerous witnesses and the information learned as a result of the interviews was shared with the lead detective.  After a lengthy investigation, the State Attorney's office declined  not to criminally charge McGregor.  

State of Florida v. Conor MCGregor

In March 2019, Conor McGregor, MMA Fighter was arrested in Miami, Florida on strong-arm robbery felony charges.  Mr. MCGregor was charged with taking the victim’s cellular using force.  PTI was retained by the firm that represented Mr. MCGregor to conduct the investigative defense of the case.  PTI interviewed numerous scene witnesses and obtained favorable evidence.  When the incident was reported to the media it was immediately sensationalized all over the world and portrayed Mr. MCGregor as being out of control and overly aggressive with the victim.  Weeks into in the investigation, PTI was able to gather video evidence that clearly showed the alleged victim and his associate stalking Mr. MCGregor hours prior to the incident.  It also showed how Mr. MCGregor’s security escort on the night of the incident stopped the victim and his associate from approaching Mr. MCGregor multiple times and the victim not complying with their stay away efforts.  None of this information was ever reported by the media to the public.  The case was eventually dropped by the State’s Attorney Office 

United States v.  Antonio Intriago

Antonio Intriago along with 4 other defendants were indicted for their involvement in the assassination of President Moise.   PTI was court-appointed to assist in the investigation of the case. 

United States v. Adhman Hassoun

Jose Padilla and Adhman Hassoun were arrested on suspicion of plotting a radiological bomb ("dirty bomb") attack. Padilla was detained as a material witness until June 9, 2002, when President George W. Bush designated both enemies combatants.   PTI was court-appointed to locate and interview numerous Government and Defense witnesses in the case.  PTI worked jointly with Federal Public Defender's investigators assigned to the case.  

United States v. Bakarrat Fahatti 

Bakarat Fahatti was charged with violating the U.S. Embargo Arms Act. Mr. Fahatti was accused of purchasing aircraft parts in the United States for combat fighter planes in Iran. PTI was retained to investigate the allegations and was required to travel to Dubai to interview key witnesses. As a result of the investigation, PTI was able to obtain sufficient information to establish a viable defense at trial. As a result, the Government offered a reasonable plea and Mr. Fahatti accepted, resolving the case in the most reasonable and favorable way possible for him.

United States vs. Miguel & Giberto Rodriguez-Orejuela

In 2004-2006, PTI began the representation of Miguel and Giberto Orejuela, known as the Rodriguez brothers and head of the Colombia, Cali Cartel.  They were primarily involved in marijuana trafficking. In the 1980s they branched out into cocaine trafficking. For a time, the Cali Cartel supplied 70% of the United States and 90% of the European cocaine market.  PTI headed the defense investigation when both were extradited to the US on March 11, 2005.  PTI was charged investigated the case which required to travel and relocated to Colombia for 6 months.  During the investigations, it was learned that members of the family were being considered by the Government as targets of the cartel enterprise.  After months of negotiations, an amicable resolution was reached where clients pled, and the family was not indicted.   

United States v. Gerardo Gonzalez  Valencia 

Gonzalez-Valancia was  captured and extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.  Gonzalez Valencia is related  to  Moncho.  Between 2003 and April 2016, Gerardo Gonzalez-Valencia, aka Lalo, 45, was a leader of Los Cuinis, a DTO responsible for importing large quantities of cocaine from South America, Mexico, and elsewhere into the United States. Los Cuinis is closely aligned with the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which is based in the State of Jalisco in Mexico. Together, Los Cuinis and CJNG form one of the largest, most dangerous, and most prolific drug cartels in Mexico..  PTI assisted defense attorneys with the investigation of the Government’s witnesses and trial preparation.    

United States v. Calvin Warren

Calvin Warren was federally charged for being in possession of a firearm. Because of Mr. Warren's criminal history, federal agencies became involved. PTI was retained to investigate the incident, which required for PTI to interview numerous witnesses who were not interviewed by City of Miami Police narcotics detectives or the federal government after taking the case. The witnesses PTI interviewed all consistently stated Mr. Warren was never in possession of a firearm.  At trial, Mr. Warren argued the cops planted the firearm and with the corroboration of the witnesses procured through PTI, a jury acquitted Mr. Warren of all charges against him. The AUSA assigned to the case is presently a US federal US District Judge.

United States v. Earl Grant - Robbery Hobbs Act 

Earl Grant was federally charged with committing an armed robbery of a 7-11 convenience store. Because of Mr. Grant’s violent criminal history, federal agencies became involved. PTI was retained to investigate the incident and after a thorough defense alibi investigation and interview of the victims at the 7-11, PTI was able to establish Mr. Grant was mistakenly identified by the victims. A presentation of PTI's alibi leads prompted the Government not to proceed with the case.  Mr. Grant was released from jail.

In 2019, Mr. Sabates a prominent executive and business owner in North Carolina was charged and was subsequently battered by cops during his arrest.  The incident took place while the client was at a high-end Brickell restaurant in Miami.  The client was with his son and wife.  An unruly patron sparked an unwarranted dispute with the client and his son which led to cops to respond to the restaurant.  Upon the cops arrival and without investigating the responsible parties of the dispute cops arrested the client and his son.  The cops took side with the aggressor.  PTI was retained to investigate the incident which led to the interview of numerous employees.  PTI was also able to secure the video surveillance tapes of two nearby business which captioned the cops conduct at the scene.  The videos also exposed the restaurant employees and civilian witnesses that witnessed the incident from its inception and how the cop’s mis-treated the client and his son.  Through weeks of non-stop investigation, PTI was able to secure overwhelming favorable defense evidence.  Minutes before trial, the attorney and PTI were allowed to show the prosecuting attorney the defense’s evidence.  The presentation led to the case being no actioned.   

State of Florida vs. Officer Victor Rivera 

On or about 2004, Victor Rivera, a Miami-Dade police officer, was accused of armed sexual battery. The victim alleged Officer Rivera raped him while he was on duty serving the alleged victim with a domestic violence restraining order. PTI was retained to investigate the alleged victim of Officer Rivera’s rape, as well as locating and interviewing the victim in the domestic violence case. For months, the domestic violence victim evaded contact with PTI due to his immigration status and fear of repeated violence, but ultimately, PTI was able to locate him. PTI gained his trust, as well as a favorable interview for Officer Rivera. Because of the detailed background information obtained from the domestic violence victim, the state attorney offered to settle the case. Officer Rivera resigned from the police force, and the state attorney dropped all charges. Had Officer Rivera opted to go to trial and had he been found guilty; he would have served life in prison. 

United States v. Nelson Alex Gonzalo

Mr. Gonzalo, who at the time was a police officer, and also worked as a realtor. Mr. Gonzalo was indicted and charged with money laundering in connection with a mortgage fraud case that exceeded $30 million in losses. After a thorough investigation, the attorney in the case persuaded the prosecutor and investigative agency that Mr. Gonzalo was not involved in the fraud. The case was resolved by pleading to a misdemeanor of unauthorized use of a computer and a brief term of probation. PTI was charged with reviewing the Government’s discovery and interviewing witnesses. 

United States vs. Luis Diaz, Jr. & Luis Javier Diaz

Between 2010 and 2016, LUIS DIAZ, JR., and LUIS JAVIER DIAZ used Miami Equipment and Export Company (the “Company”), a company they owned in Doral, Florida, to effect the transmission of at least $100 million on behalf of entities outside the United States, mostly located in Venezuela, to bank accounts in the United States and elsewhere, in exchange for a fee.  During this time, the Company was not registered with the State of Florida or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a component of the United States Department of the Treasury, as required by both state and federal laws applicable to money-transmitting businesses.   Through their unlicensed money-transmitting business, LUIS DIAZ JR. and LUIS JAVIER DIAZ enabled a number of foreign businesses to move money into and around the United States.  For instance, the defendants used the Company to transmit over $100 million into the United States on behalf of KCT, a large Venezuelan consortium of construction companies, and other entities located in Central and South America.  After they received these funds from KCT or other companies, the defendants received instructions concerning where to send the money as well as fake invoices and contracts purporting to set forth a valid business reason for these payments.  The fake invoices and contracts made the payments appear connected to legitimate business services being provided to the Company, such as consulting or engineering services.  In this manner, the defendants sent money on behalf of KCT and other companies to U.S. and foreign bank accounts of shell companies located around the world, Venezuelan government officials, KCT employees in Venezuela, and others who had no relationship with the defendants or the Company.  For all of these transmitting activities, the Company received over $1 million in fees. In 2017, PTI was retained to assist in the organization and review of Government and defense records, prepared an exhibit list for trial and conducted witness interviews. 

United States v. Oscar Moreira-Torres                                 

In 2011, Mr. Moreira-Torres was federally charged with Interference w/ Commerce by Threat or Violence.  The case stemmed from a complex alien smuggling investigation from Cuba to Mexico in which Mr. Moreira-Torres was accused of conspiring to bring Cubans from Cuba to Mexico in exchange for money.  According to the Government, the defendants, including Mr. Moreira-Torres who was accused of extorting and threatening the aliens’ family members once the aliens reached Mexico.  PTI was retained to investigate the Government victims’ and the Government witnesses’ allegations.  PTI was able to locate and interview the key Government witness and ascertain information the witness had not shared with the Government.  The case required PTI to travel to New Jersey multiple times to locate the witnesses. The case proceeded to trial and the client and two other co-defendants were acquitted.         

United States v. Miguel Angel Cabrera-Granados

In 2022, the US Attorney’s Office in Miami, Florida indicted 5 MS-13 gang members for their alleged participation in 4 homicides in the Broward County, Florida area. PTI is actively working on this case.  

United States v. Issac Leal                                                          

In 2018, the US Attorney’s Office in Miami, Florida indicted 24 gang members as part of Operation Havana Ghost.  The indictment alleges that from as early as 2013, the Drug Trafficking Organization ‘DTO” distributed cocaine, crack cocaine, committed murders and laundered money.  PTI is presently representing Mr. Leal in the case.    

United States v. Wilfredo Rojas-Suarez          

In 2017, the US Attorney’s Office in Puerto Rico, indicted 104 defendants which were part of a housing project gang and charged the defendants with Murder and Racketeering charges. PTI was retained to represent Mr. Rojas-Suarez was accused of being involved in several murders.  PTI was charged with reviewing and organizing the voluminous discovery and specifically the murders.  Months into the defense investigation, the Government waived the death in this case.    

United States v. Reynaldo Lopez-Alvaro         

In 2016, the US Attorney’s Office in New York, filed a 75-count indictment charging over 40 MS-13 gang members from the NY, Long Island area with Murder and Racketeering charges. PTI is presently representing the lead defendant Mr. Lopez-Alvarado in the case.    

United States v. Luis David Rivera-Carrasquillo               

In 2012, Rivera-Carrasquillo was accused of murdering 8 rival gang members.  Mr. Rivera-Carrasquillo was accused of being the lead Sicario of the organization. PTI was retained to assist the mitigation specialist by interviewing critical witnesses in the field.  PTI also assisted in the analysis of law enforcement records relating to the murders. After two-years of investigating the case, a comprehensive mitigation report was prepared, and the defense information obtained assisted the attorney in the case which ultimately convinced Washington Capital Death prosecutors to waive the death penalty.  

United States vs. Kenneth Wilk    

In 2007, Kenneth Wilk shot and killed a BSO Deputy while serving a search warrant.  PTI was retained to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the investigation of the witnesses including but not limited to reviewing BSO internal police protocols.  In addition, PTI assisted in the defense preparation of the death penalty mitigation.  Through PTI's investigative efforts the jury panel found BSO partially responsible for the incident and the jury unanimously rejected the death penalty. The defense mitigation attorney assigned to the case in now serving as a US federal Magistrate Judge.  

 State of Florida vs. Jorge Valcarcel

On or about 2002, after graduating high school, Enrique Valcarcel’s son invited underage kids to a house party at Mr. Valcarcel’s home.  At the party, the State alleged the new, underage graduates were openly allowed to consume alcohol.  That evening two underage kids drove away after the party severely impaired and fatally crashed.  One kid died on the scene and the other suffered disabling injuries. Months later, the State charged Jorge Valcarcel, Sr., alleging he had knowledge of the party and did nothing to stop the underage drinking in his home.  Two years later, PTI was retained to locate some of the kids who attended the party to refute the State’s version of the facts.  Because of the lapse of time, some of the witnesses were then college students at universities all over the United States.  As a result of PTI’s investigation, witnesses were identified and provided testimony completely contrary to the State’s witnesses’ version of events.  At trial, the defense called the witnesses PTI located and interviewed who testified in court they saw the victims drinking alcohol before going to the Valcarcel’s house party.  The witnesses also asserted Mr. Valcarcel tried to stop the party after learning of it by instructing the DJ to stop the music.  After a 2-week media-intense trial in state court, the jury acquitted Mr. Valcarcel of any wrongdoing.