Broward insurance adjuster stole $600K from Hurricane Ian victims, authorities say
www.nbcmiami.com,Brian Hamacher, March 31, 2026
A Broward insurance adjuster is facing charges for allegedly stealing more than $600,000 owed to victims of 2022's Hurricane Ian, which he transferred or spent at local casinos, authorities said.
Francisco Chaparro-Araus, 46, of Miramar, was arrested Monday on multiple charges including organized fraud, grand theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, and diversion or misappropriation of insurance premiums, an arrest affidavit said.
The arrest came after an investigation by the Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division.
According to the affidavit, after Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida in September 2022, Chaparro-Araus, the owner of All Elements Public Adjusters, began soliciting vulnerable homeowners who suffered property damage.
The homeowners entered into agreements with All Elements to serve on their behalf to adjust, negotiate and attempt to secure fair settlements of their insurance claims, with Chaparro-Araus entitled to collect 10% of what was recovered, the affidavit said.
Investigators found that insurance claims were resolved and settlement checks were issued but Chaparro-Araus unlawfully withheld $611,473.39 in proceeds that were owed to 10 separate policyholders, the affidavit said.
The funds were deposited into a bank account controlled by Chaparro-Araus but depleted through online transfers, Zelle transfers, wire transfers, point of sale check card purchases and "excessive and substantial cash withdrawals from the Seminole Hard Rock and Calder Casinos," the affidavit said.
Records showed Chaparro-Araus was booked into Broward's Main Jail. Attorney information wasn't available.
Chaparro-Araus was previously arrested in July 2024 for a similar case involving grand theft, elderly exploitation and reporting and accounting for funds, the affidavit said.
News article: Broward insurance adjuster stole $600K from Hurricane Ian victims, authorities say – NBC 6 South Florida