TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has successfully secured a conviction against Bernard Joseph McBride, Jr. for operating a fraudulent investment scheme. McBride misled victims by claiming that his company, Tutela Mining, Inc., owned and operated a gold mine in California, collecting over $575,000 from unsuspecting investors.
"My office is ensuring that criminals can’t get away with defrauding Florida’s seniors," stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. He acknowledged the efforts of Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Jonathan Bridges and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Joshua Dockus in collaboration with law enforcement partners to bring justice in this case.
McBride targeted seniors by offering them investment opportunities in his non-existent company with promises of guaranteed returns on their investments either in gold or cash. He persuaded many senior victims to deplete their retirement accounts for these false investments.
Investigations revealed through bank records and testimony that McBride did not own or operate any gold mine. The funds collected were used for personal expenses and payments to family members who held no-show jobs at the company. Among the personal expenditures was funding his stepdaughter's wedding.
McBride was found guilty of one count of grand theft over $100,000 and two counts of grand theft over $20,000 but less than $100,000. He faces up to 60 years in state prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of Financial Regulation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Attorney General Uthmeier emphasizes caution among senior citizens to prevent falling victim to scams. Tips include being wary of high-pressure tactics, consulting trusted individuals about suspicious communications, protecting personal information, monitoring financial accounts for irregularities, and avoiding suspicious emails or links.
Resources are available through Attorney General Uthmeier’s Scams at a Glance program which provides brochures on various scams including grandparent scams and contractor frauds. These resources can be accessed at MyFloridaLegal.com/ScamsAtAGlance.
Suspected scams can be reported to Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office via 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or MyFloridaLegal.com.