FLORIDA — A man who claimed to run a gold mining company in California has been convicted of defrauding Florida senior citizens out of more than $575,000, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced.
Bernard Joseph McBride Jr. was found guilty of one count of grand theft over $100,000 and two counts of grand theft over $20,000 but less than $100,000. He faces up to 60 years in state prison.
According to the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Mr McBride persuaded victims to invest in his company, Tutela Mining, Inc., promising guaranteed returns in gold or cash. Many of the victims were seniors who were convinced to liquidate their retirement savings.
Investigators later determined that Tutela Mining did not own or operate any gold mine. Instead, prosecutors said Mr McBride used the money to enrich himself and pay family members for no-show jobs. Some of the stolen funds were reportedly used for personal expenses, including his stepdaughter’s wedding.
“My office is ensuring that criminals can’t get away with defrauding Florida’s seniors,” said Attorney General James 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.”
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Office of Financial Regulation.
