Florida Homeowners Scammed $308k for Cabinet Repairs, Owner Invested in Crypto Instead, Gets 70 Months
Key Summary
Three Southwest Florida homeowners paid over $308,000 for cabinet repairs after Hurricane Ian, but the money was diverted to a cryptocurrency account, leaving the homeowners without the materials. The owner, Manuel Cajigas, arranged the projects and forwarded payments to Christopher Edward Kane, who was later sentenced to 70 months in prison for money laundering and participating in a scheme to defraud.
Background
Hurricane Ian victims paid more than $308,000 for cabinet repairs. A police investigation found that some of the money passed through a home-improvement company to a cabinet maker, then into cryptocurrency accounts instead of the materials needed for the jobs. The customers dealt with Cornerstone Home Solutions, whose owner, Manuel Cajigas, arranged the projects and forwarded payments to Christopher Edward Kane, according to a sworn Fort Myers police affidavit. Investigators said Kane never delivered the cabinets or woodwork the homeowners were expecting. Kane, 60, of Naples, entered no-contest pleas on Oct. 12, 2026, to money laundering involving more than $100,000 and participating in a scheme to defraud. A Lee County judge adjudicated him guilty and sentenced him to 70 months in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. Judge Bruce E. Kyle also ordered restitution to three recipients. The award reflects the customers' original payments, rather than adding together repeated transfers between bank and cryptocurrency accounts.
Investigation
Cornerstone Home Solutions collected homeowner payments and paid Kane for cabinet production, according to a Fort Myers police affidavit. The records describe three projects involving new cabinetry, countertops, flooring or framing. One customer later ordered and paid for additional work. Cajigas transferred portions of the money to Kane, including payments into an account held by Benjamin Franklin LLC, which the affidavit identifies as Kane's business. The homeowners did not receive the promised materials. A former workshop subcontractor told detectives that work on the three projects had not been completed and materials had no value.
Charges and Sentencing
Kane, who had no prior convictions, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. The judge also ordered restitution to the three homeowners. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victims.
The case highlights the importance of proper business practices and the need for stricter regulations in the construction industry. It also underscores the consequences of diverting funds intended for legitimate business purposes. The sentence demonstrates the commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.