Jacksonville Man Arrested for Stealing Nearly $700,000 from Construction Company
Jacksonville, Florida – A 44-year-old man from St. Johns County, John Lucidi, has been arrested by federal agents on accusations of embezzling nearly $700,000 from a construction company based in Jacksonville. This incident was reported on Tuesday, December 18, 2024, and has raised serious concerns about financial security in local businesses.
Detailed Allegations Against Lucidi
According to a federal indictment, Lucidi was employed in marketing and sales at the construction firm, which provided him with direct access to the company’s VyStar Credit Union account. The indictment claims that from December 2018 until June 2022, Lucidi engaged in a systematic scheme to divert approximately $660,000 from the company’s accounts into his personal Square account. He allegedly accomplished this by transferring funds from the VyStar account and a corporate American Express account that he had fraudulently established.
Prior Criminal History
This is not Lucidi’s first brush with the law. He has a background of criminal activity stemming from a significant mortgage fraud case in 2011. At that time, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The scheme, which took place between 2005 and 2008, involved Lucidi finding buyers who were willing to purchase homes at inflated prices. These buyers received kickbacks between $30,000 and $50,000 at closing, resulting in significant losses for mortgage lenders amounting to around $7 million.
Current Legal Proceedings
During his arraignment on the new charges, Lucidi entered a plea of not guilty and was released on bond. As part of his release conditions, Lucidi must surrender his passport and notify authorities regarding any new lines of credit he might seek. A status conference is set for January 21, 2025, and a jury trial has been scheduled for February 3, 2025.
Life After Prison
After completing his previous prison sentence in 2017, Lucidi attempted to turn his life around by launching a flavored alcoholic drink brand named Fader-Ice. According to the brand’s website, Lucidi claimed to be passionate about creating unique drink flavors. However, he emphasized that his business journey was abruptly halted when he was contacted by federal investigators regarding his past fraudulent activities.
In addition to running Fader-Ice, Lucidi started a non-profit organization titled “Rub It On Your Chest,” aimed at helping former inmates by providing merchandise and job opportunities. The organization reflects his desire to support those re-entering society after incarceration.
Community Reaction
The recent developments surrounding Lucidi’s arrest have alarmed local residents and business owners. Many are concerned about the ongoing issues of fraud and theft that can significantly impact the community’s economic stability. Legal experts note that such incidents can deter investors and create a climate of distrust among businesses.
As the case unfolds, stakeholders in the Jacksonville area and beyond will be watching closely for any updates regarding this high-profile fraud situation. The legal proceedings not only highlight the consequences of financial malfeasance but also underscore the risks businesses face from internal threats.
