A long-awaited trial and justice may be in sight for some people who allege they were scammed by an island vacation agent.
The trial of a former Anna Maria Island real estate agent accused of luring vacationers to pay deposits or rental fees for what turned out to be unavailable or nonexistent rental property and refusing to provide refunds is now set for the November term of the U.S. District Court, Middle District, in downtown Tampa.
Michael Perry Carleton of Bradenton turned himself in days after a Sept. 1 grand jury indictment that alleges one count of mail fraud.
Mail fraud carries up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
The indictment seeks the forfeiture of proceeds that Carleton acquired in an alleged scheme that took more than $200,000 from 70-plus prospective tourists between April 2012 and July 2013.
Carleton was released from federal custody on a $200,000 signature bond and reporting requirements to a court officer.
In a Sept. 23 motion, Assistant Federal Defender Yvette Gray, Carleton’s court-appointed attorney, asked the court to continue an October trial date because she “needs additional time to review and discuss the evidence with Mr. Carleton.”
On Sept. 10, the federal prosecutor turned over discovery and records to Carleton’s federal defender.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Hansen estimated a trial of three-four-days.
According to U.S. District Court public affairs specialist Amy H. Filjones, the trial date will be set by Chief U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday as the date gets closer.
The trial will be held at the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 N. Florida Ave., Tampa.