United States Attorney Presents Restitution Payment to Former Foster Child Defrauded by Foster Parents

TAMPA, FL—U.S. Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announced today the major recovery of assets in a case involving a former foster child defrauded by his foster parents. According to court documents, Radhames Antonio Oropeza (54, Davenport, Polk County) and Asia Concepcion Oropeza (53, also of Davenport) acted as foster parents for Markus Min Ho Kim and then swindled more than $400,000 from him.

Kim came to the United States from Seoul, South Korea, with his natural parents at the age of 5. They lived in New York City. In 2000, Kim’s natural father was charged and later convicted for the murder of Markus’ mother and he was subsequently placed in the foster care system in New York. Thereafter, Kim was placed in the foster care of Radhames Antonio Oropeza and Asia Oropeza. At the time of her death, Kim’s mother had a life insurance policy for approximately $500,000. Kim was the beneficiary. Although he received the money upon her death, he could not access the funds until attaining the age of 18.

Upon turning 18 years of age, Kim received the proceeds from the policy. The Oropezas then conspired together to defraud Kim of the money and succeeded in depriving him of approximately $400,000. The Oropezas, who had moved to Polk County, Florida, used the proceeds to purchase real estate in Polk County. According to evidence presented at trial, the Oropezas funneled the money into certificates of deposits and later withdrew large amounts, then transferring them into alleged investment properties for Kim, to which he had no direct access.

Following a jury trial, on October 5, 2010 Radhames Oropeza was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison. Asia Oropeza pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, prior to the start of the trial on October 4, 2010. She was sentenced to a term of 36 months in federal prison. Together Radhames and Asia Oropeza were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $409,586.07 to Markus Min Ho Kim.

The Asset Recovery and Victim Rights Division of the United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida was able to effectively recover $409,662.94 representing the total amount of restitution, plus interest, for the victim.

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