A South Florida insurance adjuster is facing multiple fraud-related charges after authorities say he withheld more than $600,000 in insurance settlement funds from Hurricane Ian victims.
According to arrest documents obtained by Local 10 News, 45-year-old Francisco Javier Chaparro Araus of Miramar was charged following an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Hurricane Ian in 2022 was the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since 1935, and the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Florida since Michael in 2018.
Investigators allege that between Oct. 3, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2022, Chaparro Araus engaged in “fraudulent, unethical, and dishonest acts” while working as a public insurance adjuster in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Sept. 28, 2022, causing widespread destruction across southwest Florida and the Gulf Coast.
Authorities said Chaparro Araus, who worked for All Elements Public Adjusters LLC, allegedly solicited homeowners whose properties were damaged during the storm. According to investigators, the homeowners signed written agreements allowing him to represent them in negotiating insurance claims in exchange for a 10 percent contingency fee.
However, investigators said a review of claim files showed that while insurance companies resolved the claims and issued settlement checks, the funds were deposited into a Bank of America business account controlled by Chaparro Araus.
Authorities allege he unlawfully withheld $611,473.39 owed to 10 different policyholders.
The affidavit states the funds were later depleted through online transfers, Zelle transactions, wire transfers, debit card purchases and large cash withdrawals. Some transactions reportedly occurred at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Calder Casino.
Investigators accused Chaparro Araus of misappropriating or unlawfully withholding money belonging to insured clients and beneficiaries.
Jail records show the Chilean national is facing multiple charges, including:
- One count of obtaining property over $50,000 by fraud
- One count of exploitation of the elderly between $20,000 and $100,000
- Two counts of misapplying insurance premiums over $100,000
- Six counts of misapplying insurance premiums between $20,000 and $100,000
As of Tuesday afternoon, Chaparro Araus was not listed as an inmate in Broward County jail records.
