Sarasota man indicted on massive investment-fraud charges after living in Naples

Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against 51-year-old Brent Adam Seaman, charging him with five counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of filing false tax returns. Between June 2019 and November 2022, Seaman is accused of operating a network of Florida LLCs — collectively branded “Accanito” — while residing in Naples.

Prosecutors allege the business was in fact, a scheme offering false guarantees, meant to lure investors under the promise of high and safe returns. When the investment returns failed to materialize, the indictment says Seaman used money from newer investors to repay earlier ones — a classic Ponzi-style tactic.

According to court filings, Seaman didn’t invest much of the money he raised. Instead, he allegedly diverted millions to fund a lavish lifestyle: luxury car purchases, chartered flights, personal rent payments and jewelry.

Authorities claim investor funds were used to purchase a high-end sports car, pay for personal living expenses, charter private jets and underreport income on his 2019 and 2020 federal tax returns.

Federal prosecutors estimate the total amount involved in the alleged scheme at more than $36 million.

If convicted, Seaman faces decades behind bars — up to 20 years per wire-fraud count, up to 10 years per money-laundering count, and additional time for tax-return charges.

Seaman lived in Naples throughout the period of the alleged fraud — a detail that has stirred concern in local circles, given the number of victims reportedly drawn from the region.

Authorities say many of the investors were led to believe in reliable returns, trusting Seaman’s façade of legitimacy as an experienced investor and currency trader. But with the indictment now public, many are learning just how shaky that trust may have been.

As the case heads toward trial, victims are bracing for a long recovery process — while financial watchdogs are pointing to this as another cautionary tale: if an investment seems too good to be true, it often is.

Seaman has pleaded not guilty. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled, and federal prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of assets tied to the alleged scheme.

Meanwhile, local investors and community members are watching closely — many eager to learn whether justice will bring restitution.