Largo, Fla. — Erik Sanudo, the owner of Tebo Estate Sales, was arrested on November 19, 2024, after being accused of swindling a client out of thousands of dollars from an estate sale in September 2023. According to the Largo Police Department, Sanudo had worked with a client under an agreement that he would receive 25% of the total sales proceeds from the estate sale.
After completing the sale, Sanudo reported to the client that the proceeds totaled $28,203. However, he only sent the victim $5,000 through Zelle payments and subsequently ceased all communication. Sanudo still owed the victim $15,652.25. Once the victim pursued legal action, Sanudo allegedly emailed them, stating that his business was closed and had declared bankruptcy.
However, investigators later discovered that just days before declaring bankruptcy, Sanudo had opened a new estate sales business under the name Florida Certified Estate Sales LLC, continuing to seek new clients.
Sanudo also faced a grand theft warrant from Sarasota, where he was involved in a similar case of fraud. He was arrested on charges of scheme to defraud and grand theft. According to an arrest affidavit, Sanudo admitted to using the funds from the estate sale for personal expenses and claimed to have no remaining money.
The Largo Police Department believes that Sanudo may have other victims across Florida. Reviews on Yelp for Tebo Estate Sales indicate numerous complaints from clients alleging that they were not paid what they were owed. Authorities are urging any additional victims to contact Sergeant Carvella at 727-586-7464.