Couple charged in $500K assisted living scam

CLEARWATER — Miguel Angel Perez and Maritza Belinda Perez, from New Port Richey, were arrested for conducting a fake real estate investment scheme.

According to a statement from the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR), the couple was charged with organized fraud, grand theft and mortgage fraud in connection with the sale of investment offerings in Clearwater.

Miguel Perez and Maritza Perez allegedly defrauded at least 13 Florida residents out of approximately $500,000 by recruiting them as potential real estate investors, the statement says. The couple held seminars at multiple Tampa hotels, where they offered investments in an assisted living facility.

The OFR's investigation revealed that the facility never came into operation and the couple used a large portion of the investor funds for personal living expenses, including the purchase of their home in New Port Richey, according to the statement.

The investment offerings are believed to be from Miguel and Maritza Perez's companies, including Investors Mentorship Club LLC, Allegi Inc. and I Dream Big Coaching Inc., the statement says. Miguel Perez was arrested June 24, and Maritza Perez was arrested July 13.