Public Adjuster Arrested for Stealing $703k from 13 Homeowners After Hurricane Ian
Summary
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of public insurance adjuster Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus on March 30, 2026, after an alleged theft of over $703,000 in Hurricane Ian claim funds. Investigators from the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division allege that Chaparro-Araus forged victims' signatures, concealed insurance settlement checks from 13 homeowners, and deposited funds into his business account. Prosecution falls under the jurisdiction of the Broward County State Attorney's Office, and Chaparro-Araus faces charges including organized fraud and financial exploitation of an elderly person.
“Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of public insurance adjuster Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus, after an alleged theft of over $703,000 in Hurricane Ian claim funds.”
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What changed
Florida's Chief Financial Officer announced the arrest and criminal charges against public adjuster Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus, who allegedly exploited vulnerable Hurricane Ian victims by submitting claims on their behalf, depositing settlement funds into his own business account, and refusing to pay the homeowners. The charges include organized fraud, financial exploitation of an elderly person, diversion and misappropriation of a premium, and failure to report and account for funds.
Insurance professionals, particularly those handling claims on behalf of vulnerable populations following catastrophic events, should note the scope of this enforcement action. The State Attorney's Office in Broward County is pursuing criminal prosecution, indicating that insurance fraud involving elderly or otherwise vulnerable policyholders may face enhanced scrutiny under financial exploitation statutes. The Department of Financial Services operates a dedicated fraud reporting portal, suggesting active enforcement of adjuster conduct standards in Florida.
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Apr 22, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Press Release
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Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Announces Arrest of Public Adjuster After $703,000 Theft in Hurricane Ian Claims Funds
4/22/2026 /2026/cfoscreenshot5.jpg) Click HERE or the photo above to download the video.
Video courtesy of the Office of Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. To watch video, click here or above.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of public insurance adjuster Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus, after an alleged theft of over $703,000 in Hurricane Ian claim funds. The arrest was made by investigators within the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (CID) after Chaparro-Araus misappropriated funds belonging to 13 homeowners by allegedly forging victims’ names, concealing insurance settlement checks from victims, and refusing to pay victims after being contacted.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “Floridians face the devastating consequences of hurricanes each year, but what they absolutely should not have to deal with is criminals attempting to steal from them when they have already lost so much. This criminal thought he could profit from their vulnerability, but the only thing he’s collecting now is a jail sentence. I applaud the work of my investigators for putting Chaparro-Araus behind bars.”
In 2022, when Hurricane Ian made landfall, Chaparro-Araus exploited vulnerable homeowners who sustained property damage. He submitted claims to various insurance carriers on behalf of the victims and was able to deposit the funds into his business account. Chaparro-Araus was able to deplete the money through online transfers, Zelle transfers, wire transfers, check card purchases, and cash withdrawals from casinos.
Francisco Javier Chaparro-Araus was arrested on March 30, 2026. He has been charged with organized fraud, financial exploitation of an elderly person, diversion and misappropriation of a premium, and failure to report and account for funds.
Prosecution of this case falls under the jurisdiction of the Broward County State Attorney’s Office. The Department of Financial Services encourages anyone with knowledge of insurance fraud to report it at FraudFreeFlorida.com | Florida Department of Financial Services. ###
About the CFO
Florida
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia serves as
the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the
head of the Florida Department of Financial Services. As CFO, he oversees
billions of dollars in state funds and is committed to protecting taxpayer
dollars, strengthening Florida’s fiscal health, and delivering essential
services that support the state’s excellent economy. As State Fire Marshal, CFO
Ingoglia also works every day to support Florida’s first responders as they
risk their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.
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