SUNCOAST: PHONY ELON MUSK CONVICTED

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
 
 

BPD

 

The “Elon Musk” impersonator arrested last year for defrauding an elderly Texas woman out of $250,000 has pleaded guilty to money laundering. Jeffrey Moynihan, Jr., 57, was sentenced to one year in prison and 28 years of probation. He also must pay $250,000 in restitution.

 

In 2023, the 74-year-old victim befriended “Elon Musk” on Facebook. They exchanged messages for several months, and the victim was encouraged to invest in Musk’s businesses. “Elon” promised her a $55 million return.

 

Financial records indicate the victim transferred $250,000 to bank accounts owned by Moynihan and his Bradenton business, Jeff’s Painting and Pressure Washing, LLC. Additionally, the victim transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars into accounts, not registered to Moynihan, in another state. The husband of the victim told investigators his wife gave “Elon Musk” approximately $600,000. 

BPD arrested Moynihan for grand theft and money laundering on November 19, 2024. He later claimed he gave the money he received from the victim to his online girlfriend.

 

BPD’s Elder Fraud Unit investigated this case. Learn more about the unit, and find resources to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams, at bradentonpd.com/elder-fraud-unit.