TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Michael Bogstead, the real estate broker featured in the Better Call Behnken investigation, pleaded guilty in November to a felony charge of stealing at least six homes.
Prosecutors allege he created the fraud to transfer ownership or sell to unsuspecting buyers.
One of the victims, John Jenkins, had to fight to get his home back.
“They just gave him my home,” Jenkins said. “It probably takes him two hours’ worth of work to send these documents electronically.”
Bogstead entered into a controversial plea deal. In exchange for $177,000 in restitution, he will receive probation and avoid prison time. And consumer investigator Shannon Behnken realized Bogstead’s fortunes had gotten even better. Despite his guilty plea, Bogstead’s real estate license remains in good standing.
Public records show he was already a top official at the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. In May, an administrative complaint accused him of failing to report a drunk driving conviction and making a false report to law enforcement.
As a result, in August, the state placed him on probation for 90 days, imposed fines and fees of less than $600, and assigned him to take a three-hour education course, according to records.
Bogstead complied and his probation ended on October 31st.
A look at his website shows that business picked up quickly and he has active listings and homes under contract.
It was only a few weeks ago that Bogstead changed his plea of not guilty to guilty. According to state regulators, by pleading guilty, he no Implications for his real estate license.