Seth Adam Depiano, a former resident of Clovis, California, has been indicted on charges related to managing a $10 million real estate fraud scheme from prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced the charges, which include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.

Depiano was previously sentenced in 2018 to over 12 years for a separate $24 million fraud scheme. Despite his incarceration in federal prisons across Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Florida between 2021 and 2022, Depiano allegedly orchestrated another complex real estate scam with co-conspirators nationwide.

Operating under false identities "Marcus Lazaro" and "Steven Baron Sr.," Depiano pretended to be a real estate broker selling properties he did not own. His network involved accomplices who engaged with potential investors and handled financial transactions. The group reportedly amassed around $10 million from victims primarily in California and Nevada.

The fraudulent proceeds were laundered through Las Vegas casinos and other businesses using shell companies and international wire transfers. These funds were also used to purchase real estate under fake entities.

The investigation was led by IRS Criminal Investigation alongside the Bakersfield Police Department, with support from the FBI and Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

Depiano remains in custody pending his next court appearance on July 16, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. Co-defendants Zahria Barber of Las Vegas and Paola Quintero Beltran face similar charges with their court dates also set for July 16.

If convicted of wire fraud or mail fraud, Depiano could face up to 20 years in prison plus an additional mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. Sentencing will consider statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines after conviction is determined beyond reasonable doubt.