Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY»Florida man convicted in $575K gold mine scam targeting seniors
CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY

Florida man convicted in $575K gold mine scam targeting seniors

Niceville.comJune 9, 20252 Mins Read
Court
Judge's gavel on desk in courtroom. (File photo)

NORTH FLORIDA — A Florida man has been convicted for stealing more than half a million dollars from elderly victims in a bogus gold mine investment scheme, said Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

The man, Bernard Joseph McBride Jr., is said to have promised seniors large returns on fake investments through a company he called Tutela Mining, Inc. He reportedly convinced victims to drain their retirement accounts to invest, only to spend the funds on himself and his family.

According to prosecutors, the so-called gold mine never existed. McBride used the victims’ money to fund personal expenses — including his stepdaughter’s wedding — and pay family members for no-show jobs. Investigators say the scam totaled over $575,000.

“My office is ensuring that criminals can’t get away with defrauding Florida’s seniors,” said Attorney General Uthmeier.

“Thanks to Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Jonathan Bridges and Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Joshua Dockus, working with our law enforcement partners, we ensured this con man stays behind bars.”

McBride was convicted on one count of grand theft over $100,000 and two counts of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. He now faces up to 60 years in state prison.

Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of Financial Regulation investigated the case.

The Attorney General’s Office noted that scams targeting seniors are on the rise and offered the following tips:

  • Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics
  • Discuss financial decisions with trusted family or friends
  • Never give out personal information to unknown sources
  • Monitor your bank accounts closely
  • Avoid clicking links in suspicious messages

Floridians can report scams by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleTherapist billed Medicare from cruises, feds say in fraud suit
Next Article Florida tax preparers plead guilty in $12M federal fraud case

Related Posts

Sign at Panhandle Wildlife Rescue designating patient drop-off area

Freeport rescue center gets $25K to care for orphaned wildlife

June 30, 2025
Top of EmpowerHER Self-Defense flyer featuring logos and event title

Free self-defense class for women, teen girls set for July 12 in Niceville

June 30, 2025
Kutz n’ Kicks back-to-school event logo featuring sneakers, scissors, and stars

Free shoes and haircuts for kids at Aug. 2 giveaway

June 30, 2025
Advertisement
A square digital ad for Midbay Veterinary Hospital with multiple dogs of different breeds, a blue veterinary cross logo, Dr. Maya Chapman’s contact information, and a “Click” button for scheduling an appointment.
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
Smiling couple holding Eglin Federal Credit Union Mastercard with promotional rate
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Advertisement
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
Advertisement
Deer Moss Creek® advertisement by Ruckel Properties, Inc. promoting available homes and lots.

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.