For Immediate Release

January 6, 2014
 
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Ft. Pierce Field Office arrested two people on charges of organized scheme to defraud, criminal use of personal identification and money laundering following a four month investigation into a fraudulent rental scam involving dozens of victims in Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties.    

 
FDLE was assisted in its investigation by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, along with the Martin, Palm Beach and Broward County Sheriff’s Offices and the Jupiter and Ft. Lauderdale Police Departments.
 
The investigation shows that Robert Allen Tribble, Jr., 50, of 17088 Randolph Siding Road, Jupiter, Fla., filed fraudulent quit-claim and warranty deeds to take control of homes in foreclosure.  Tribble allegedly advertised the homes for rent or lease to purchase and then collected deposits from unsuspecting buyers and renters.   Deposits ranged from $2,500 to $20,000.  Tribble then began collecting rental or mortgage payments from the victims, who believed Tribble owned the properties. 
 
Investigators believe Tribble fraudulently obtained 35 properties with a taxable value of approximately $7.5 million.  Over 50 victims have been identified with losses of over $8 million. 
 
Tribble’s accomplice, Mary Revoller-Chavez, 45, lived with him and assisted in the scam.  Tribble is charged with organized scheme to defraud, money laundering, obstructing justice and 14 counts of criminal use of personal identification.  Revoller-Chavez is charged with organized scheme to defraud, money laundering and three counts of criminal use of personal identification. 
 
Tribble was arrested this morning at the Martin County Courthouse and Revoller-Chavez was arrested at the home.  Both were booked into the Martin County Jail. 
 
The Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Samantha Andrews or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001