Saint Jovite Youngblood, 52, has been convicted of wire fraud and money laundering in an elaborate scheme involving fake cartel threats and false claims of military service, defrauding victims of millions.
On Tuesday, a federal jury in Austin convicted 52-year-old Saint Jovite Youngblood of organizing a fraudulent operation in which he used bogus threats from dangerous Mexican cartels to extort millions of dollars from his victims.
Youngblood was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Prosecutors disclosed that Youngblood fraudulently claimed to be a US Army Delta Force operative while posing as a covert federal agent. He convinced victims, including wealthy Cedar Park developer Eric Perardi, that they and their families were targets of cartel violence and offered "protection" in exchange for huge payments.
Perardi, who met Youngblood through their children's sports league, said he gave $900,000 to safeguard his family. After realizing the false assertions, Perardi notified the FBI, who launched an investigation.
According to court filings, Youngblood used the stolen monies to take expensive vacations to Las Vegas and gamble at premium casinos.
"Justice was served," Perardi remarked, relieved that Youngblood could no longer cause harm to others.
Youngblood faces up to 20 years in jail for each wire fraud charge and 10 years for money laundering. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman will determine the sentence.
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