Attorney General James Uthmeier Charges Man Operating Fraudulent Financing Scheme

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution charged one individual with multiple felonies for defrauding victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Over an 18-month period, Tyler Anderson engaged in a pattern of false statements and material omissions to solicit advance fees for loans and building projects that were never funded or undertaken.

“Those who defraud others undermine trust in our communities,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “This defendant defrauded houses of worship and small businesses out of more than $300,000 and spent the money on himself. Now, he will face our Statewide Prosecutors in court.”

According to the law enforcement investigation, Anderson portrayed himself as a successful loan broker to the victims through verbal statements, social media posts, and a now-defunct company website. Anderson promised victims financing through his business or access to a supposed network of lenders — Anderson never funded the loans. Victims paid Anderson more than $300,000 to obtain loans for commercial properties, undertake construction projects on their behalf, or make mortgage payments for an existing loan. Anderson instead used victims’ funds for vehicle leases, luxury items, and various personal services. The victims included four churches, three small businesses, and one funeral home.

Anderson is charged with one count to defraud over $50,000, a first-degree felony; one count of grand theft over $100,000, a first-degree felony; one count of fraudulent mortgage transactions over $50,000 with five or more victims, a first-degree felony; and one count of fraudulent lending practices, a third-degree felony.

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