South Florida

Florida Jury Convicts 2 in Bahamas Land Fraud

A South Florida federal jury has convicted two people in an $8 million fraud involving a Bahamas land scheme called "Paradise Is Mine."

The case centered on a purported plan to develop Rum Cay island in the Bahamas. Trial evidence showed investors were given promotional materials falsely claiming the venture had been written about by USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Investors were also falsely told former NFL star Joe Montana was an investor.

The jury convicted 49-year-old Lawrence Foster and 38-year-old Johana Leon of multiple charges last week. They will be sentenced in January.

Prosecutors say the pair stole about $8 million from 90 investors. Some of the money went for luxury items such as a Bentley GT car.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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