Man Sentenced for Affinity Fraud, Ordered to Pay Restitution

FL OFR Enforcement Case Updates

Filed December 17th, 2025

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Bonel Pierre was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay over $250,000 in restitution for an affinity fraud scheme targeting the Haitian American community. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation partnered with local law enforcement on this criminal enforcement action.

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What changed

Bonel Pierre, Director of Team Financial Blessings, LLC, has been sentenced to four years in prison and 10 years of probation for orchestrating an affinity fraud scheme. He was also ordered to pay over $250,000 in restitution to 32 victims, primarily from the Haitian American community, who invested in a fraudulent "sou-sou" savings system. Pierre misrepresented the company's profitability and investment activities, receiving at least $200,000 in cash from investors, none of whom received distributions.

This case highlights the severe consequences of investment fraud, particularly affinity fraud targeting specific communities. Regulated entities and compliance officers should be aware of such schemes and ensure robust internal controls to prevent similar fraudulent activities. The Florida Office of Financial Regulation's collaboration with local law enforcement underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation in prosecuting financial crimes. While no specific compliance actions are mandated for other entities by this case update, it serves as a strong reminder of the penalties associated with fraud and the need for vigilance.

Penalties

Four years in prison, 10 years of probation, and over $250,000 in restitution.

Source document (simplified)

Port St. Lucie Man Sentenced to Prison for Affinity Fraud

December 17, 2025 Bonel Pierre was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation, for his role in a fraudulent investment scheme. In addition, Pierre was ordered to pay more than $250,000 in restitution to 32 victims.

Pierre, as the Director of Team Financial Blessings, LLC (TFB), made frequent in-person presentations at churches and posted social media content that misrepresented TFB to potential investors, most of whom were part of the Haitian American community. Victims described participating in a “sou-sou” savings system which required a $1,350 initial investment and would pay up to $80,000 in five to eight weeks. Pierre fabricated details about his company’s investment activities and profitability, claiming to have raised more than $2 million in cash. However, the investigation revealed significant accounting errors and discrepancies. Bank records revealed he received at least $200,000 in cash, but none of the investors received distributions.

The OFR partnered with the St. Lucie County Sherriff’s Office in developing this criminal enforcement action. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney J. Cormier of the St. Lucie County State Attorney’s Office.

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