March 28, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com — A federal judge has sentenced Miami insurance broker Heleonel “Leo” Gonzalez to 41 months in prison and ordered him to pay more than $5 million in restitution. Gonzalez defrauded a Georgia credit union by securing loans intended for condo associations’ insurance premiums and then misusing the funds for personal gain.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Gonzalez, 48, owned Sharp Insurance Agency in Miami Lakes. Between 2023 and early 2024, he submitted false premium finance agreements to P1 Finance, a division of Peach State Federal Credit Union. He falsely claimed that condo associations had authorized these loans to cover property insurance premiums.
Court records show that Gonzalez used these proceeds to settle personal debts and purchase property in Park City, Utah. Prosecutors highlighted that Peach State Federal Credit Union transferred around $6 million, unaware of the fraudulent representations. Miami Insurance Broker
Condo Crisis Provided Cover for the Scheme
Florida’s ongoing property insurance and condominium crises likely provided a cover for Gonzalez’s scheme. Condo insurance premiums and repair costs have surged, forcing many unit owners to consider relocating. Legislative changes in 2022 mandated frequent inspections and larger cash reserves, further straining associations’ finances.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Gonzalez pleaded guilty in November and voluntarily surrendered to the Bureau of Prisons. Prosecutors noted that his sentence was less than the maximum allowed by sentencing guidelines and fell below their recommendation. He also faces asset forfeiture, including the Park City property.
Gonzalez’s Ties to Insurance Providers
Records from the Florida Department of Financial Services show that Gonzalez had been an agent for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. since 2016. His appointment is set to expire in April 2025. He also held active appointments with 15 other insurers.
Sharp Insurance Agency’s Current Status
Despite his sentencing, Gonzalez was still listed as president on the Sharp Insurance Agency’s website as of Thursday.
Source: Insurance Journal – Full Article
FAQs: Miami Insurance Broker Sentencing
Why was the Miami insurance broker sentenced in 2025?
The Miami insurance broker, Leo Gonzalez, was sentenced for defrauding a Georgia credit union by misusing condo premium finance loans.
How much restitution must the Miami insurance broker pay?
Gonzalez was ordered to pay more than $5 million in restitution after his conviction.
What role did the condo crisis play in the Miami insurance broker case?
Florida’s condo insurance and repair cost crisis created conditions that helped conceal Gonzalez’s fraudulent scheme.
Did the Miami insurance broker lose his insurance licenses?
Records show Gonzalez held active appointments with Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and 15 other insurers, with expirations pending in 2025.
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