Fla. man pleads guilty in Ponzi scheme to bilk 600 Haitian-American investors of millions

Fla. man pleads guilty in Haitian Ponzi scheme

MIAMI — A second Florida man accused of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded more than 600 Haitian-American investors of millions of dollars has pleaded guilty.

Abner Alabre of Miramar pleaded guilty Friday to conspiracy to commit securities fraud. He also forfeited his home, which authorities say was bought with money raised in the scheme.

The 33-year-old man faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.

Brian Taglieri also pleaded guilty last month in connection with the scheme and agreed to reimburse investors.

Authorities say the four men bilked investors of more than $12 million in 2008. They promised to double their clients’ money every 90 days through their Delray Beach-based HomePals Investment Club.