CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) – Authorities have confirmed that Miami real estate developer Sergio Pino died of an apparent suicide after the FBI raided his home as part of “court-ordered law enforcement activities,” officials said.
The medical examiner confirmed to 7News that Sergio’s body was found inside his Cocoplum home early Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, agents were seen blocking Isla Dorada Boulevard in Coral Gables’ Cocoplum neighborhood, and in Cutler Bay on Bel Aire Drive. Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed FBI agents surrounding the Coral Gables home.
According to the Miami Herald, both homes belonged to Sergio, who was involved in a contentious divorce and a hit-and-run investigation.
Sergio was one of South Florida’s most prolific real estate developers since the 1990s. He was a member of the Latin Builder’s Association and founder of Century Homebuilders, one of the largest Hispanic homebuilders in the country.
A video released by a 7News viewer shows FBI vehicles blocking streets in the Cutler Bay neighborhood and a man being arrested. The FBI said the man was suspected by the agency of being involved in the alleged contract killing plot in which Sergio has denied any involvement.
According to surrounding businesses, Sergio’s company building was also raided by the FBI.
This isn’t the first time his home has been raided. Neighbors told 7News the FBI raided his Coral Gables home last month as they searched for electronics and documents.
Sergio’s wife, Tatiana, accused her husband of committing the hit-and-run accident, which was caught on video on August 30, 2023. Surveillance video showed a Home Depot flatbed truck hitting Tatiana’s vehicle in front of her Pinecrest home before fleeing the scene. All four men involved in the hit-and-run, including a man who worked for Sergio, have reportedly pleaded not guilty.
According to the Herald, Tatiana also accused Sergio of trying to poison her, which led to further health problems, but Sergio denied these allegations.
Tatiana’s lawyer said tests revealed she had bath salts in her medication, that she had been hospitalized several times and that doctors found fentanyl in her system.
After Sergio’s body was found, neighbors said they were very concerned about the news.
“We are very concerned for our own safety and also for the safety of the family involved,” said neighbour Lindsay Dets.
The FBI said no additional information is available at this time. Attorneys for Sergio and Tatiana have been contacted for details on the incident.
In a statement, the FBI said:
This morning, the FBI conducted search and arrest operations at two locations in Miami-Dade County that are related to an ongoing murder-for-hire investigation that began in the fall of 2023. The first operation took place at 9720 Bel Aire Drive in Miami. The subject was arrested without incident and a search of that location was conducted. No further information about that location will be released at this time. The second location was at 142 Isla Dorada Blvd in Coral Gables where the subject, Sergio Pino, was discovered by the FBI inside the residence deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Upon arrival, members of the Miami FBI SWAT Team attempted to call the occupants of the residence. When there was no answer, the SWAT Team entered the residence and conducted a methodical search to locate the subject. Ultimately, Mr. Pino was discovered alone in an upstairs bedroom. The final determination of the cause of death will come from the medical examiner’s office. I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida for their close cooperation and diligence during this investigation. As this is an ongoing investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.
James P. Marshall, FBI Public Relations Officer
An investigation is now underway as many questions remain unanswered.
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