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Seventh arrest made in Hammocks HOA fraud scheme involving  million in theft, officials say – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
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Seventh arrest made in Hammocks HOA fraud scheme involving $6 million in theft, officials say – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – A seventh suspect has been arrested in connection with the alleged multi-million dollar theft scheme which drained funds from the Hammock Home Owners Association.

Jesus Cue, 63, the HOA’s comptroller and accountant, faces multiple felony charges including racketeering, kickbacks and money laundering, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

Cue, who served as a business and accounting consultant to the HOA board through his company, Worldwide Business Solution Corp., is accused of using his position to funnel association funds to fictitious companies and associates, it appears that under the leadership of former HOA officials.

Investigators said Cue received more than $644,000 in payments during his four years in the HOA, but testified the association had no reserve funds and needed a $375,000 loan to support operations.

Witnesses told investigators that some HOA board members set up shell companies to siphon off HOA funds, with three of those companies allegedly connected to Cue’s business as registered agent.

Combined, those entities received nearly $500,000 in payments, prosecutors said.

“No homeowner should have to worry about how the HOA handles association funds,” State’s Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a news release. “Our investigation into the thefts at the Hammocks HOA has shined a bright light on a crime that may be occurring in our state. Those who think that an HOA’s funds are there for the taking have made a grave mistake. Today’s arrest should be crystal clear.”

Cue’s arrest follows that of six othersincluding former HOA board members and vendors accused of fraudulent billing practices that investigators say contributed to a total embezzlement of more than $6 million.

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