FBI says Miami developer Sergio Pino tried to poison, hired hitmen to kill estranged wife
MIRAMAR - Prominent Miami developer Sergio Pino, who took his life during a raid at his Coral Gables home on Tuesday, had attempted to murder his estranged wife in multiple ways, including by hiring hitmen, the FBI said on Wednesday.
Pino was in the middle of a messy divorce from his wife of 32 years, Tatiana Pino. Federal officials contend Pino tried to poison, shoot Tatiana, and had hired two separate crews for a hit on her.
"She is safe and she no longer needs to live in fear for her life," said FBI agent Jeffrey Veltri during a news conference Wednesday at their headquarters in Miramar.
Pino had denied the allegations, but the FBI said Wednesday that he persisted in his plan even when he knew he was under investigation and hired two separate hit squads to carry out the deed.
The first hit squad included Jerren Howard, Ednar Etienne and Michaele Dulfo, the FBI said. On Tuesday, federal authorities made another arrest related to a second group of hitmen. Fausto Villar was arrested at his Cypress Bay home.
Officials said Pino offered to pay $150,000 upfront and then another $150,000 after it was done.
Pino's attorney said on Tuesday the FBI's raid was unnecessary.
"Sergio Pino took his own life today. The level of law enforcement activity at his residence was unprecedented and unnecessary, especially since we had offered to surrender him should that have become necessary. Today's events mark a very tragic ending to an investigation that we were confident we could successfully defend. There were many rumors and allegations but what was lacking was evidence," said Sam Rabin in a statement.
The investigation into Pino's death will be conducted by the FBI, not the local police. It is unusual for the FBI to take the lead on a death investigation or suicide, but because federal agents had been building the case against Pino, they decided to take the lead into the cause of his death.
Last month, agents had also raided Pino's home on Isla Dorada Boulevard as part of the investigation.