Attorney General Ashley Moody today announced five life sentences for a man repeatedly convicted of fraud and taking advantage of Floridians. The Honorable Larry Schack, Senior Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit, on Wednesday, sentenced Robert Allen Tribble to five life sentences after juries found Tribble guilty on multiple fraud counts. Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution sought enhanced penalties given Tribble’s extensive criminal record.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We are using every resource available to fight fraud and ensure criminals trying to take advantage of Floridians are held responsible. These five life sentences for this habitual fraudster, who repeatedly deceived and exploited our citizens, should serve as a warning to anyone trying to take advantage of Floridians. If you commit fraud in Florida, we will find you and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
In two separate trials, Martin County juries found Tribble guilty on four counts of criminal use of personal identification more than $100,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud more than $50,000.
An investigation launched in 2013 found that Tribble created fake property deeds to scam homebuyers out of thousands of dollars. According to the investigation, Tribble created fake deeds, added unverified signatures and then copied and pasted the Florida notary seal on the fraudulent documents. Tribble then advertised the properties on Craigslist in an attempt to sell the homes to unsuspecting buyers.
According to the investigation, Tribble took possession of more than 30 homes through these fraudulently filed deeds. All the properties, except one, were pending foreclosure proceedings and none of the actual owners ever transferred homes to Tribble by deed or even knew the defendant.
Tribble’s extensive criminal history consists of numerous federal felony convictions dating back to 1981 through the present including bank fraud, credit card fraud, forgery, wire fraud, and aiding or abetting the mailing of a threatening communication among multiple others.
Given Tribble’s extensive criminal history, OSP sought enhanced penalties under Florida law. Judge Schack found that Tribble qualified as a habitual felony offender thus permitting the court to sentence the defendant to life in prison on each count. In addition, the court ordered a judgment for restitution against the defendant in favor of victims of more than $130,000.
Attorney General Moody’s Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Stephanie Tew and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Jonathan Bridges prosecuted the case.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement led the most recent criminal investigation with the assistance of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Jupiter Police Department, Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
