Realtor makes eleventh hour confession
Toni Paolini
(CNS): A real estate agent who was on trial for theft this week came clean Friday, just before his case was to go to the jury for deliberation. After admitting that he stole $43,000 from a client who was trying to buy a piece of land, Antonio “Toni” Paolini (77) will be sentenced in April for this latest conviction as well as an earlier charge relating to another client and a similar course of offending. Paolini had originally denied the accusation. Although he accepted taking the cash and spending it, he had claimed there was no dishonest intent.
However, just before crown counsel Toyin Salako was scheduled to sum up the prosecution’s case, Paolini’s attorney revealed his client’s change of heart. Paolini then admitted the charge of theft and the jury was dismissed. The judge fixed the sentencing hearing for the septuagenarian in April, when both of his convictions will be considered.
Paolini was on bail regarding the earlier offence last summer, when he reportedly committed this second act of theft in an effort to try to keep open his failing business, Cayman Real Estate.
I have read through all of your comments.., and are somewhat dismayed… I Never enter into these blogs., But., I speak from experience.., You can try to sell your property and save 7%, but what about the processing, & a lawyers fees…etc,
Since I worked for this crook 5 years ago., and watched him ‘cook’ the books., he had two sets of records.., and Always used peoples escrow money for his lavish lifestyle.., including my friends,. Former watchmaker, who died..Ask Jens Pankala.
I have a 25 page complaint against him filed with Cireba, that worthless organization, setup to police the Realtors. I paid $10,000 for a work permit, before I made One sale.?! After making a nice sale and several leases., Tony owed me $$20,000, balance, which he never attempted to pay… He also owes Dave sausage man,. $6,000 referral fees.
I emailed the police, when I heard of his first arrest,. But they didn’t need any info. I don’t wish I’ll on Anyone.., except this devious criminal.. I hope they deport him,. Imprison him to the max, fine him, beyond the listed money’s, and bar him from doing business on the Island. I have since moved away, mostly because of him, and the burden he caused.
Peter Panos.
I am praying for him…
Dear God, Please make them lock him up and throw away the key…
Yes.., I agree.., he is as deviant a crook as any… Only got caught on these two.., there were many more.., etc. I know., because I worked with him for over a year.
Lost agents every few months,. Because he cheated them out of commissions,. And stole their money
It is now evident that CIREBA cannot be allowed to police its members. Cayman is the only place where the Govt does not have a Real Estate rsponsibilities law. What law is he breaking?? Get with it CIG!!
What’s the chances he has suddenly found god?
How can he get a Estate Licence is he 60/40 partner with a local person?
This is wh locals in Real Estate on that island cant get ahead, other agents or even the broker they work for robs them dry, an that person is left in debt, cant pay their bills and almost bankrupt because this business of Real Estate is only for good honest local people that work for themselves with their own business licence. The first rule in the RE business is Trust No one, Not even your Mother! God only knows that is so true. Gospel Truth.
I wouldn’t trust him on the suspender attire alone !
Good point!
Chump change when compared to the daylight robbery carried out consistently by the real estate cartel. Never been a better time to sell on your own.
Couldn’t agree more.The cartel are making money hand over fist by simply putting properties on a website for a few days. Get it on Ecaytrade and save yourself 7%.
Thought he might get away with and pleaded like a coward at the last moment. Pathetic.
Should have sold up or brought in a younger partner.
One of the worst mistakes I made was getting involved with this man, I’m still several grand short from our business dealings. I don’t actually think he is cool and calculated though, just a terrible business man who may be somewhat simple.
Funny how he could afford a brand new BMW X5
Private sector incompetence and fraud.
It is an ugly case especially as this wasn’t his 1st offense. 77 years old, last minute guilty plea to avoid jury trial. I am glad he finally came clean. Glad his sentence isn’t my decision.
Prison purely for wasting everyone’s time and money, let alone being a thief. At least if he has money problems 2 years free accommodation in Northward should be greatly appreciated by him.
Watch him get a suspended sentence with monitoring ankle bracelet and home probation like the postal worker that stole from the public till. Gets to keep his job handling cash too!?!
I do regret that the defendant was so terribly financially strapped that he resorted to such theft of a client’s deposit money. His action, in my opinion was only compounded by the fact that he claimed innocence until the very last minute. In addition, the theft which is subject in this trial was committed whilst on bail for a similar crime earlier.
I trust the judge will take into consideration the grave dishonor brought to all real estate companies, and the real concern of buyers who worry they will be next. Punishment of the highest order is the only action that will help ensure the defendant nor any other financially strapped businessman repeats this crime.
To be fair if “grave dishonour brought to” realtors was an issue he shouldn’t be too concerned. 7%?? FFS! Parasitic cartel.
“There has never been a better time to be fleeced of 7% of your home’s value by our greedy cartel”
7% is theft. Especially in this market. Most cartel members would sell their grandmother for a quick buck. I’ve heard stories of cartel members not informing their homeowner clients of higher offers received because the other party are represented by other cartel members and the sellers agent would have to split the 7%. Shameful.
I wonder how the. Real Estate Association feels about him now that he has admitted .
Or is this where the kettle can’t call the pot black .
Deportation Order?
Would he by any chance possess Cayman status or PR?
Toni Paolini is a good guy who got knocked about,commercially, by CIREBA. He obviously lost his way and panicked when the going got tough.