Man accused of faking death set to plead guilty to federal charges

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man who police say faked his death to collect millions in insurance money is expected to plead guilty to charges related to the case.

Jose Lantigua, the former owner of the Circle K furniture stores in Jacksonville, faked his death in South America in 2013, according to investigators, so that his wife could collect over $5 million.

READ: Lantigua's notice of intent to change plea

Lantigua was arrested at his wife's home in North Carolina earlier this year after insurance investigators cracked the case by talking with a doctor in Venezuela who admitted signing a fake death certificate.

The house where Lantigua was caught was being built with funds from his insurance settlement. 

Lantiqua is planning to plead guilty to federal charges for faking the name on a passport. Investigators said he did that so he could enter the country under a phony name, but he made a mistake and listed his wife's home in North Carolina on the application.

Federal investigators staked it out and took Lantigua into custody. 

Lantigua's wife is still being held in the Duval County jail on state insurance fraud charges. An arrest warrant was issued for Lantiqua for faking his death, but those charges have not been filed. Legal experts said the charges are coming.

"It surprises me that people would have the brazenness to do this," said attorney Randy Reep, who is not affiliated with the case but has been following the proceedings. "But also think of the stupidity of the master crime. He returns back to the community that knew him. Yes, he was wearing a disguise, but these are not elaborate disguises. The whole thing, I think any practitioner would tell you, it's very surprising that people would go to these great lengths and equally be as foolish in the things they do."

No hearing date has been set for Lantigua's guilty plea, but that is expected to happen soon.


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.