22-029 Economic Crimes Detectives Arrest Two Men for Scheme to Defraud and Money Laundering –
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Business office

Investigative Operations Bureau

-Financial Crimes Unit
John Hartnett (Suspect – Arrested)

DOB: 05/24/1954

Address: 2525 Gary Circle, Dunedin

Cost: Just one Count Plan to Defraud, 1 Count Money Laundering
James Laden (Suspect – Arrested)

DOB: 08/06/1982

Deal with: 7224 Hideaway Trail, New Port Richey

Prices: One Rely Scheme to Defraud
PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Financial Crimes Unit have arrested 67-year-old John Harnett and 39-calendar year-previous James Laden for Plan to Defraud and Funds Laundering.
In accordance to detectives, Hartnett owned and operated Gulf Coast Boat Income, located at 37517 US Highway 19 North in Palm Harbor. Laden was detailed as the common supervisor of the business. The boat dealership offered new boats from 3rd celebration producers, made use of boats, and consigned boats that would be still left by their owners. The boats would be sold by the dealership for an agreed upon value, with a commission heading to the dealership.
Detectives say Hartnett also owned and operated BeachCat Boat LLC, a boat producing business, positioned at 120 Pickney Road in Oldsmar. The business specializes in the producing of new pontoon boats and sells them instantly to the community via dealers, to incorporate Gulf Coast Boat Income.
According to detectives, from May perhaps of 2015 to late 2017, 56 complaints were gained by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Business office from folks and enterprises, stating they ended up systematically defrauded of their home by way of fraudulent pretenses and willful misrepresentations. This resulted in a financial decline of close to $800,000.
All through the investigation, detectives figured out some of the victims offered their boats and or trailers to be offered on consignment and they were never compensated or been given their property back again. Victims also presented funds to Gulf Coastline Boat Sales to buy a new boat, nonetheless hardly ever acquired a boat or their funds back. Detectives say some of the victims have been not equipped to sign up their new bought boats due to under no circumstances receiving the titles just after purchase.
Through many investigative methods, detectives found Hartnett took the victim’s money from the Gulf Coast Boat business account and illegally deposited it into his personal account by funneling it via the running account for BeachCat Boat LLC. The full cash laundered from all of the victims exceeded $100,000 in a 12 month period.
On April 6, 2022, Hartnett and Laden had been arrested and billed with just one count Scheme to Defraud. Hartnett been given an extra cost of a person depend Cash Laundering. The two guys were being transported to the Pinellas County Jail with out incident.
The investigation carries on.

Harnett Reserving Photo

Laden Booking Photo