In Hendry County, Florida, a series of fraud cases has brought to light an elaborate scheme orchestrated by a group of individuals who preyed on unsuspecting families chasing the dream of homeownership. At the center of this scandal is Leonardo Arriaga Lopez, a former sales manager for a reputable builder who now faces multiple charges for fraud and unlicensed contracting. Despite arrests, lawsuits, and ongoing prosecutions, Lopez and his associates continue to operate under the banner of American Homes Development LLC, raising urgent questions about accountability and consumer protection in Florida’s real estate market.
Victims describe being drawn in with promises of new single-family homes on their lots, believing they were working with an established, trustworthy builder. Instead, they were rerouted into a trap.
Victims Luigi Solosi and Angela Gonzalez with Denix Lopez were among the first to fall victim. They wired more than $300,000 for home construction, only to discover later that their money had been siphoned into Lopez’s personal accounts. Instead of building their homes, Lopez spent lavishly—on luxury watches, custom suits, and even a 2025 Cadillac Escalade.
When the reputable builder learned of the deception, he stepped in to complete the homes himself at his own expense to shield the families from further loss. But the damage was already done. Lopez was arrested and charged with scheme to defraud, only to be released on bail—funded by his wife and business partner, July Villegas Gallego.
Rather than retreating, Lopez and his circle allegedly regrouped under American Homes Development LLC, with Gallego listed as a managing member. Alongside partners Diego Rosero, Jorge Botero, Catalina Quiceno, Rossy Roche, and Paola Moreno, the group launched what prosecutors and victims describe as a “lease-to-own” scam.
Victims Jose Manuel Lobaina and Alexis Aloy were lured with promises of homeownership after making steady rental payments. But when they tried to exercise their purchase options, they were told they didn’t qualify. The contracts, written only in English, omitted the promised option-to-purchase clause—leaving the Spanish-speaking victims unable to understand the fine print. Trusting the word of Rosero and Quiceno, they were ultimately left defrauded.
In addition to the ongoing fraud case, Lopez faced another lawsuit in early 2025 through his company Global Business Group LLC, accused of contracting without a license. By June 2025, Lopez was found guilty. The case has since been escalated to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Despite mounting legal issues, American Homes Development continues to market aggressively on social media, presenting an image of success while victims and investigators allege ongoing fraud.
Those who have interacted with Lopez and his associates describe consistent warning signs: flashy lifestyles, expensive accessories, and high-end leased vehicles. These appearances projected an image of success, but behind the façade was a pattern of deception.
“They appear to be successful, but simply put, they rob anyone they can to keep up their lavish appearances,” one victim told Giz Tech Media.
For the victims, the toll has been both financial and emotional. Families lost hundreds of thousands of dollars—money often wired directly to the fraudsters under false pretenses. Beyond the monetary loss, victims describe feelings of betrayal, broken trust, and long-lasting stress tied to what was supposed to be a milestone investment in their futures.
One victim put it plainly: “Massive financial impact.”
Despite multiple arrests and court cases, Lopez and his associates have managed to keep operating. Legal delays, bail postings, and the use of associates as front-facing representatives have enabled their schemes to continue relatively uninterrupted. By shifting company names and using partners such as Gallego, Rosero, and Quiceno as the public face of operations, Lopez allegedly hides in the shadows while pulling the strings.
Those familiar with the schemes issue a clear and direct message: “Buyer beware.”
“They will tell you anything to get you to wire money to them. Once they have your money, the entire story changes. You cannot trust these people,” one victim warned.
For victims, justice means restitution and accountability. They call for American Homes Development LLC and all of its members to be brought before a judge, forced to repay the stolen money, and serve jail time after restitution is made.
Until then, the alleged fraudsters continue to operate, targeting new victims under the guise of providing affordable housing opportunities.
