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FDLE arrests Maryland man for operating real estate fraud scheme

 
Miami, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Miami Regional Operations Center and the Maryland State Police today arrested Mark A. Ledbetter, 39, 358 Fairfield Dr., Severn, Md. on one count of scheme to defraud, 13 counts of uttering a false or forged instrument, and 13 counts of communications fraud. 
 
In March 2013, Ledbetter established a Florida corporation, Tarpon IV, LLC (Florida Tarpon) which shares an identical name with a legitimate Delaware corporation (Delaware Tarpon) that is a large-scale buyer of distressed properties in Florida.  Investigators believe Ledbetter created Florida Tarpon to deceive potential buyers by creating the impression that he had the legal authority to sell Delaware Tarpon properties. 
 
From March 2013 to October 2013, Ledbetter advertised multiple Delaware Tarpon properties in Charlotte, Lee, St. Lucie, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Putnam, Duval and Broward counties for auction on eBay and sold them to unsuspecting buyers throughout the United States and foreign countries.  He received more than $50,000 in payments from unknowing victims.  Once payment was received, he would then file a fraudulent deed transferring the title from himself to the buyer.  Delaware Tarpon become aware of Ledbetter’s fraud and immediately sought an injunction to prevent him from fraudulently selling properties in the state of Florida.
 
Ledbetter is being held on $230,000 bond awaiting extradition to Florida.  This case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
 
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Samantha Andrews or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

 

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