Brownsville man admits guilt and forfeits $2.5M in real estate

McALLEN, Texas – A 54-year-old man has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to defraud the United States and aiding and abetting the failure to file a form 8300, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jesus Juraidini admitted to paying over $2.5 million to Delfino Gaona in connection with the purchase and/or construction of at least six residential and commercial properties. Gaona, 48, Mission, was doing business as Keystone Construction and DG & GG Investments LLC. 

Juraidini admitted he and Gaona conspired to avoid currency reporting requirements from approximately January 2010 through at least Nov. 14, 2018. Juraidini admitted he knew that under federal law, a non-financial trade or business such as the businesses Gaona operated must file a notice with the Secretary of the Treasury for the receipt of $10,000 in currency in one transaction, known as an IRS Form 8300. 

Juraidini knew Gaona was not going to file the required document. A review of records confirmed that Gaona nor his business entities filed the proper form documenting the cash proceeds.  

As part of his plea agreement, Juraidini also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $2,519,000 and forfeiture of 10 properties in Hidalgo County.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing June 3. At that time. Juraidini faces up to five years in prison. He is set for a bond hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker today at 3 p.m.

Gaona previously pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing before U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez June 24.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Insurance, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in McAllen and Pharr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Rick Blaylock Jr. are prosecuting the case.