Former Foster Parents Indicted for Fraud on Foster Child

TAMPA, FL—U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton announces the unsealing today of an Indictment charging Radhames Antonio Oropeza (age 53, of Davenport, Polk County), and Asia Concepcion Oropeza (age 52, also of Davenport), with conspiracy and wire fraud. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum term of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy and 20 years for the wire fraud. The Indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States is seeking a money judgment for $401,794.00, an amount representing the proceeds the defendants allegedly received as a result of their charged criminal conduct.

According to the Indictment, the Oropezas acted as foster parents within the foster care system. A minor placed in their care was the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, the proceeds of which he received upon his 18th birthday. After he received the proceeds from the policy, the Oropezas conspired together to defraud him of the money and succeeded in depriving him of approximately $400,000.00.

An Indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill.