FBI: Miami developer Sergio Pino hired crews to kill estranged wife
MIRAMAR - The Federal Bureau of Investigation is shedding light on their investigation into prominent Miami developer Sergio Pino, who took his life during a raid at his Coral Gables home Tuesday.
"The investigation revealed he attempted to murder his estranged wife," said FBI agent Jeffrey Veltri during a news conference Wednesday at their headquarters in Miramar.
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 and stalk Tatiana and had hired two separate crews for a hit on her.
Pino denied the allegations, but the FBI said Wednesday that Pino 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.
On Tuesday Federal authorities made another arrest related to a second group of hitmen.
Faulsto 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.
On Tuesday, Pino's attorney said what happened wasn't necessary.
"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 raided Pino's home on Isla Dorada Boulevard as part of an investigation into allegations
