SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 Investigators in Texas said they seized approximately $30 million in gold and cash from an Altamonte Springs gold refinery accused of playing a role in a nationwide \u201cgold bar\u201d scam targeting seniors.<\/p>\n
The Orlando Gold Refinery\u2019s two owners, Timothy O\u2019Dell and John Timmerman, are out on bond while they wait for their warrant to be sent from Collin County prosecutors and for their Florida court date at the end of the month.<\/p>\n
Investigators said Timmerman and O\u2019Dell melted down the gold bars scammers took from seniors and helped launder the proceeds. They\u2019re two of the 19 people under arrest, Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner told WFTV.<\/p>\n
However, Timmerman\u2019s attorney, Dylan Howller, pushed back on investigators\u2019 claims. He said the amount seized from the refinery was a fraction of the stated $30 million.<\/p>\n
When asked for an alternate number, Howller said he\u2019d have to check with his clients before sharing.<\/p>\n
However, Howller filed a demand in court, requesting that investigators provide a list of what was seized from the refinery.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout an opportunity to know what was seized and challenge its seizure, the property rights of the Defendant and innocent parties are denied without the due process of law,\u201d Howller wrote.<\/p>\n
He told WFTV the gold and cash seized \u2013 whatever the amount \u2013 belonged to the store\u2019s clients, who mostly come from Florida and who no longer have access to their belongings.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Altamonte store, authorities said they seized $70 million from a store in Atlanta and $50 million from a location in Texas.<\/p>\n
Timmerman and O\u2019Dell are both charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Financial Abuse of the Elderly. Both charges carry significant prison time if the two are convicted.<\/p>\n
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