North Miami developer Yoram Izhak and former Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel are in hot water following a series of transactions and lawsuits involving real estate dealings that suggest potential misconduct and fraudulent behavior.
In a complicated sequence of events, it appears that Izhak and his company, Lauderhill Mall Investment Company LLC, allegedly sold a property to Florida Holdings 4800 LLC without disclosing a $16 million mortgage they took out on the property. Such an act is a serious criminal violation, threatening the integrity of the real estate market and potentially causing considerable financial harm to the buyer.
To further complicate matters, longstanding tenants of the building, former Sheriffs Scott Israel and Al Lamberti, filed a lawsuit against Florida Holdings over the presence of mold. It is claimed that this mold issue was present before Florida Holdings purchased the building, which would place the responsibility squarely on Izhak and Lauderhill Mall Investment Company. However, due to a seemingly close relationship between Izhak and Israel, which included significant campaign contributions, suspicion has arisen that this lawsuit was orchestrated to target Florida Holdings.
Izhak, a notable figure in North Miami’s business community, has a questionable past dotted with allegations of criminal activity. He is known to be the principal of over 40 companies, many of which have been involved in controversy. In the early 2000s, Izhak found himself under investigation for “shady business dealings” in the clothing industry. He then transitioned into real estate, where he has made a name for himself as a developer and investor.
His association with crime became public in 2002 when he attempted to board a flight with a loaded gun. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to tax evasion in connection to a massive organized crime case involving a group known as “The Corporation” or the “Cuban Mafia”. While racketeering and illegal gambling charges against him were dropped, his reputation suffered a serious blow. Izhak’s past is concerning, but his current dealings raise even more significant questions about his integrity and business practices.
Former Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, who accepted $20,000 in campaign contributions from Izhak for a political committee supporting Broward County, also finds himself in the middle of this controversy. His involvement with Izhak and decision to file a lawsuit against Florida Holdings have sparked concerns about potential collusion. It is worth noting that Israel was removed from his post as sheriff in 2019 by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis due to perceived failings in his duties.
Further questions have been raised when it emerged that another tenant, Lisa Barnett, also filed a lawsuit against Florida Holdings over the same mold issue. This synchronized action points towards a possible coordinated attempt to pressurize Florida Holdings.
This case serves as a stark reminder that transparency and integrity are vital in real estate and public service. As investigations continue, the actions of both Izhak and Israel will undoubtedly face further scrutiny, and their pasts could play a significant role in determining their futures. It remains to be seen what the legal fallout will be, but the allegations leveled against these two men have already left a significant stain on their reputations and cast a shadow over the community they served.
Documents:
UCCC-Document-for-Florida-Holdings
State-of-Florida-Department-of-Corrections-Unit-400
Re_-Regarding-ORT-Claim-313331_Florida-Holding-4800-LLC
Old-Republic-National-Title-Insurance-Company
Lisa-Bernet-v-Broward-County-Sheriff-Summons
Leasing-Document-2018_08_14_14_54_12
LAUDERHILL-MALL-INVESTMENT-LLC
Lauderhill-Mall-Investment-LLC-vs-Florida-Holdings-Summons
Lauderhill-Lending-LLC-v.-Florida-Holding-4800-LLC-Ltr-to-Judge-w-Exh-050318
July-13-2009-Comm-Mtg-REGULAR-MEETING-OF-THE-COMMISSION-OF-THE-CITY-OF-LAUDERHILL
Contract-of-purchase-and-sales
Complaint_summons-SCOTT_ISRAEL-_-Sheriff-of-Broward-vs-FLORIDA-HOLDING
Al-Lamberti-as-Sheriff-Unit-607
RJH-to-Harry-Dorvilier-Personal-and-Confidential-Lauderhill-City-Ordinance
Complaint-Florida-Holdings-v-Property-Consulting-Group
Assignment-of-Mortgage-and-Security-Instruments
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