Indian Harbour Beach Police, Brevard Sheriff’s Agents Nail Fugitives Wanted for Scheme to Defraud-Swindle, Racketeering

Leandro Javier Obenauer was arrested on charges of Scheme to Defraud-Swindle and Violation of Probation for Racketeering and Theft over $100,000

The cooperative investigation revealed that James Cook, who was utilizing a fake South Carolina Driver’s License, was in fact 51-year-old, Leandro Javier Obenauer, of Orlando, a fugitive who Orange County had been actively searching for over three years

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A cooperative investigation between the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Economic Task Force and Fugitive Units has led to the arrest of two fugitives.

According to Brevard County Sheriff’s office Spokesman Tod Goodyear, Leandro Javier Obenauer, of Melbourne Beach, was arrested by the Fugitive Unit Thursday on warrants for the charges of Scheme to Defraud-Swindle and Violation of Probation for Racketeering and Theft over $100,000.

Also arrested was 67-year-old, Myriam Torres of Melbourne Beach who had an active warrant out of Orange County for Fraud.

Goodyear said the investigation leading to the arrest began on September 25 when the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department received a call from a concerned citizen concerning a potential scam in which a make identified himself as James Cook of Cabo San Lucas LLC, was paid more than $150,000 for the construction of a solar roof.

“During the course of the investigation between IHB PD and the Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Task Force, it was discovered that the individual known as James Cook had moved to Brevard County in December 2019 and began doing business as a solar roof contractor under the business name of Cabo San Lucas LLC and Powerhouse Roofing,” said Goodyear.

“Cook rented a home in Melbourne Beach and often rented private jets presenting the illusion that he was a successful businessman.”

The investigation ultimately revealed that James Cook, who was utilizing a fake South Carolina Driver’s License, was in fact 51-year-old, Leandro Javier Obenauer, of Orlando, a fugitive who Orange County had been actively searching for over three years.

“Once the warrants were verified, IHB PD contacted the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit,” said Goodyear.

“IHB PD and the Fugitive Unit immediately developed a plan to locate and arrest Obenauer and his associate/girlfriend, 67-year-old, Myriam Torres, who had an active warrant out of Orange County for Fraud.”

Obenauer was taken into custody after Deputies observed him loading equipment into a vehicle from a storefront he rented under the name of James Cook.

Deputies additionally arrested Torres at their beachfront residence located at 5745 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida. They were both transported to the Brevard County Jail, with Obenauerbeing held with No Bond status and Torres on a bond of $50,000.

“The Indian Harbour Beach Police Department did an outstanding job and should be commended for their efforts,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

“Our partnership efforts eliminated the jurisdictional boundaries and ensured two fugitives are right where they belong, behind bars where they can no longer victimize our citizens.”

The original investigation is active an ongoing relative to pending victims.

If you believe you may have been a victim of any of the following entities: Cabo San Lucas LLC, Powerhouse Roofing, James Cook or Leandro Obeanauer, please contact the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department at 321-773-3030 or the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Economic Task Force at 321-633-8410.

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