WESTON, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today announced the arrest of insurance agent Alberto Soulier for allegedly defrauding a Florida senior of approximately $99,000 in an annuity investment scam. Investigators allege that for several years Soulier created fake investment companies and pocketed the annuity premiums of a South Florida senior citizen.   CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Defrauding any Floridian is unacceptable but it is especially despicable when scam artists target seniors who have worked their entire lives to build a nest egg. My dedicated fraud investigators are working every day to root out fraud and hold bad actors accountable. It's vital that Florida’s seniors understand the warning signs of fraud and remember that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you feel you have been a victim of fraud, report it immediately at FraudFreeFlorida.com.”   An investigation by CFO Patronis’ Bureau of Insurance Fraud and Division of Insurance Agent & Agency Services uncovered that licensed insurance agent Alberto Soulier allegedly sold fictitious annuity policies to a senior victim with the promise of a better rate of return on the investment. Over roughly four years, Soulier allegedly presented bogus annuity documents to the victim bearing the names of fictitious companies “MBA Capital Group” and “Trust Preferred Capital Network” and then pocketed the victim’s premiums totaling approximately $99,000.   Soulier was booked into Broward County Jail on October 15, 2019, on charges of Misappropriated Insurance Funds, Organized Scheme to Defraud, and Grand Theft. If convicted, he faces up to 75 years in prison. Immediately upon filing of formal charges, Soulier's license will be suspended. This case is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

About CFO Jimmy Patronis  Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).