Florida Man Indicted for Allegedly Swindling Victims From Illinois in Fraudulent Investment Scheme
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CHICAGO — A Florida man who previously resided in Illinois has been indicted for allegedly swindling numerous individuals in a fraudulent investment scheme. MAKAIO’ KEKOA falsely informed victim investors, including four individuals residing in the Northern District of Illinois, that he had the ability to invest their money in short-term, high-yield investment opportunities, when, in reality, Kekoa knew that no such investment opportunities existed, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Instead of investing the victims’ money, Kekoa misappropriated the funds for his personal use, including gambling, the indictment states. From 2019 to 2022, Kekoa allegedly caused the victim investors to incur cumulative losses of at least $180,000. Kekoa, formerly known as “Lorenzo Hood,” “Lorenzo Chryssikos Hood,” or “Zo,” 39, of Wimauma, Fla., is charged with two counts of wire fraud. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tuesday in federal court in Chicago. A status hearing was set for Sept. 24, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin. The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Hillsborough County, Fla. Sheriff's Office provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik K. Raman. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and must also order restitution to the victims. kekoa_indictment.pdf
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"MAKAIO’ KEKOA falsely informed victim investors, including four individuals residing in the Northern District of Illinois, that he had the ability to invest their money in short-term, high-yield investment opportunities, when, in reality, Kekoa knew that no such investment opportunities existed, according to an indictment returned in U.S."
"Sentencing Guidelines and must also order restitution to the victims. kekoa_indictment.pdf"
"Sentencing Guidelines and must also order restitution to the victims. kekoa_indictment.pdf"
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"From 2019 to 2022, Kekoa allegedly caused the victim investors to incur cumulative losses of at least $180,000."