South Florida Developer Sergio Pino Found Dead Amid FBI Investigation

Sergio Pino, a prominent South Florida real estate developer, was found dead on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, following an FBI raid at his Coral Gables home linked to a murder-for-hire investigation. According to officials, Pino died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 67 years old.

The FBI, along with local police, executed a search warrant at Pino’s residence on Isla Dorada Boulevard in the exclusive Cocoplum neighborhood early Tuesday morning. Agents collected electronics, safes, and three boxes of documents from the property. This raid is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that Pino was involved in a plot to harm his estranged wife, Tatiana Pino.

Sergio Pino was the founder of Century Homebuilders Group, one of the largest Hispanic homebuilders in the nation. He had been embroiled in a contentious divorce with his wife, who accused him of poisoning her. Tatiana reported experiencing severe health issues around 2019 or 2020, which were later linked to the presence of bath salts and fentanyl in her system​.

The FBI’s interest in Pino intensified following a targeted hit-and-run incident involving Tatiana on August 30, 2023. Surveillance footage showed a rented Home Depot flatbed truck ramming into her SUV as she pulled into her driveway. Four men, including Bayron Bennett, a former employee of Pino, were arrested in connection with this attack. Bennett allegedly orchestrated the hit-and-run under Pino’s direction as part of a broader plan to intimidate Tatiana during their divorce​.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri confirmed that the operation at Pino’s home was part of a larger investigation initiated in the fall of 2023. An arrest operation was also conducted at another location in Miami on the same day, resulting in the apprehension of an individual connected to the case​.

In a statement, Pino’s defense attorney, Sam Rabin, criticized the manner of the law enforcement operation, stating that it was “unprecedented and unnecessary.” Rabin asserted that Pino had been willing to cooperate with authorities and surrender if necessary. He described Pino’s death as a tragic outcome of an investigation filled with rumors but lacking concrete evidence​.

Tatiana Pino’s attorney, Raymond J. Rafool, expressed relief that the FBI was involved in the case and working to ensure her safety. He reiterated the severity of the threats and attacks on Tatiana, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.

Neighbors in the Cocoplum neighborhood expressed shock and concern over the incident. Lindsay Dets, a resident, remarked, “Very concerned for their own safety and also for the family involved”​.

The FBI continues to investigate the full extent of Pino’s involvement in the alleged murder-for-hire plot and other related criminal activities. The medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause of death. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.