Suncoast man sentenced to 18 years for scheming to defraud

12th Judicial press release

State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office announced today that Robert Houston was sentenced to 18 years of prison followed by twelve years of probation. Mr. Houston was found guilty of Scheme to Defraud, Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Information, Money Laundering and twenty-four counts of Unlawfully Filing False Documents. Circuit Court Judge Dana Moss presided over the sentencing.

In 2022, Mr. Houston fraudulently reinstated Glenco Properties with the Division of Corporations. Glenco Properties owned twenty-one houses that were primarily used for subsidized housing. Mr. Houston and accomplices then filed numerous Quit Claim Deeds purporting to transfer the properties to Mr. Commercial Industrial, a corporation in which Mr. Houston was president. Afterwards, Mr. Houston mortgaged the properties and obtained 1.3 million dollars. During the sentencing, the prosecutors presented evidence that demonstrated that Mr. Houston forged bank records, business purchase agreements and associated documents in order to obtain the loans. Moreover, prosecutors revealed that Mr. Houston was previously incarcerated in California for defrauding another elderly couple in an identical manner.

Andrew van Sickle and Amanda Morris, the Economic Crime Prosecutors, argued that Mr. Houston’s actions warranted a larger sentence, especially in light of his history. The Court imposed a sentence of eighteen years, of a possible thirty years, with ten years being a minimum mandatory. The Court further ordered that all of Mr. Houston’s remaining assets be given to the victim in this case as restitution.

Andrew van Sickle stated, “the lion share of credit for this conviction goes to Detective Ross Revill of the Sarasota Police Department. He went beyond the call of duty and investigated every minute detail. I am relieved that the properties were returned to Glenco and the seizures will go a long way towards Glenco being made whole for the financial loss as a result of this crime. Once again, this conviction demonstrates the effectiveness of an Economic Crime Unit and the dedication of its law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of Sarasota County.”

Ed Brodsky, the State Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, stated, “unfortunately, technology has made it easy for this type of crime to occur. If you are an employee or officer of a corporation, please remember to check the filings online periodically in order to ensure someone has not filed false documents. You may do so by using www.Sunbiz.org.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Andrew van Sickle in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4451.