Port St. Lucie Man Sentenced to Prison for Affinity Fraud

Bonel Pierre was sentenced to four years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation, for his role in a fraudulent investment scheme. In addition, Pierre was ordered to pay more than $250,000 in restitution to 32 victims.

Pierre, as the Director of Team Financial Blessings, LLC (TFB), made frequent in-person presentations at churches and posted social media content that misrepresented TFB to potential investors, most of whom were part of the Haitian American community. Victims described participating in a “sou-sou” savings system which required a $1,350 initial investment and would pay up to $80,000 in five to eight weeks. Pierre fabricated details about his company’s investment activities and profitability, claiming to have raised more than $2 million in cash. However, the investigation revealed significant accounting errors and discrepancies. Bank records revealed he received at least $200,000 in cash, but none of the investors received distributions.

The OFR partnered with the St. Lucie County Sherriff’s Office in developing this criminal enforcement action. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney J. Cormier of the St. Lucie County State Attorney’s Office.