Sergio Pino, a prominent South Florida homebuilder and a major Republican donor, was found dead from suicide at his Coral Gables home on Tuesday morning. Pino, aged 66, was the founder and president of Century Homebuilders Group, a company that built more than 16,000 homes. He was also a former president of the Latin Builders Association and the ex-vice chairman of U.S. Century Bank’s board of directors. His net worth was estimated to be in the multimillion-dollar range, reflecting his successful career in real estate development.
What Was Pino Being Investigated For?
Pino was under federal investigation by the FBI amid a contentious divorce with his wife, Tatiana, who accused him of poisoning her. The investigation focused on allegations that Pino had hired one of his part-time employees to target Tatiana after she filed for divorce in 2022. Tatiana claimed that Pino had poisoned her with fentanyl and bath salts, which led to serious health problems over several years. These allegations were part of the deposition included in the divorce filings.
How Did the Investigation Unfold?
The FBI’s involvement escalated in late June when agents raided Pino’s waterfront estate at 142 Isla Dorada Boulevard and his Century Homebuilders Group headquarters at 1805 Ponce de Leon. The investigation was reportedly looking into whether Pino had hired Bayron Bennett, a part-time worker at their home, to target Tatiana. On the morning of Pino’s death, loud bangs were heard near his waterfront home in the upscale Cocoplum neighborhood as the FBI arrived. According to sources, Pino was threatening suicide, and law enforcement officers were trying to convince him not to harm himself.
What Led to Pino’s Death?
Pino’s lawyer, Sam Rabin, confirmed that Pino took his own life. He expressed that the level of law enforcement activity at Pino’s residence was “unprecedented and unnecessary,” especially since they had offered to surrender Pino if it had become necessary. Rabin believed that they could have successfully defended against the investigation, despite the rumors and allegations, which he claimed lacked evidence. FBI special agent Jeffrey Veltri stated that Pino was alone in his bedroom when an FBI SWAT team entered the home and found him deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What Were the Allegations Made by Tatiana Pino?
In her deposition, Tatiana Pino accused her estranged husband of poisoning her with fentanyl and bath salts. She began experiencing unexplained health problems in 2019, which persisted until she moved out of their home in 2022. These issues included episodes where she stopped breathing, was found with foam coming out of her mouth, and had bouts of diarrhea. Tatiana sought medical attention at various local hospitals and traveled to the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. It was at Johns Hopkins where an epidemiologist found fentanyl in her system, and additional testing revealed bath salts in her medication.
What Was the Outcome of the FBI Raids?
In addition to the raid at Pino’s home, the FBI conducted a separate raid at a home in Cutler Bay. Agents arrested an unnamed individual linked to the Pino investigation, which was referred to as a murder-for-hire plot. Property records showed that Fausto Villar and his wife, Natalia Barrientos, owned the home where the arrest took place.
What Was the Status of the Pino’s Divorce?
The couple’s divorce trial was expected to begin this week but was postponed to next year, according to court records. Tatiana’s attorney, Raymond Rafool, declined to comment on the situation. The allegations and subsequent investigation placed significant stress on the couple’s already strained relationship, ultimately contributing to the tragic conclusion of Sergio Pino’s life.
What Is the Community’s Reaction?
The news of Sergio Pino’s death and the surrounding circumstances have shocked the South Florida community. As a prominent figure in the homebuilding industry and a well-known Republican donor, Pino’s sudden death has left many in disbelief. His contributions to the community through Century Homebuilders Group and his involvement in various organizations are being remembered by colleagues and friends.
Conclusion
Sergio Pino’s death marks a tragic end to a high-profile investigation and a contentious divorce. The allegations of poisoning and the subsequent federal investigation put immense pressure on Pino, culminating in his decision to take his own life. The case highlights the complexities and potential dangers involved in high-stakes personal and legal battles. The community continues to grapple with the loss of a prominent figure and the unsettling details that have emerged from the investigation.
