![]()
One pilot has been arrested and another is wanted on charges of defrauding John Travolta's aviation company out of almost $800,000.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office in Florida said that Jean-Paul LaCruz-Romero has been arrested and his partner-in-crime, Jorden Coursey, is wanted for Grand Theft totaling over $100,000 and charges of Fraud and Money Laundering. ABC affiliate WCJB Ocala reported that LaCruz-Romero was arrested on charges of money laundering more than $100,000, organized fraud of property over $50,000 and grand theft of more than $100,000. WCJB reported that Marion County deputies made contact with an employee of Constellation Productions, Travolta's business inside of Jumbolair Aviation Estates, on Dec. 29 about suspected fraud. The Sheriff's Office said the pair were overcharging the company through a fraudulent setup, laundering cash through multiple accounts.
WCJB reported that LaCruz-Romero was employed by Constellation Productions as a pilot and issued a credit card to purchase fuel and for other aviation-related expenses while conducting flights. An employee reported suspected fraud after investigating his fuel prices and the excuses for increased costs. In October 2021 the purchases made were made from Lux Fuels, which WCJB reported LaCruz-Romero said was a discount fuel company. It was later discovered that Lux Fuels was owned by his wife and the company had been inflating expense reports paid by Constellation Productions. In total, $785,050 was reportedly stolen and a loss of $64,650 was reported by Constellation Production's accounting firm as they investigated the fraud. According to Fox 35 Orlando, money from the Lux Fuels account was transferred to JPL Aviation, owned by LaCruz-Romero, as well as Jorden Coursey.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office has shared pictures of the suspected money-laundering pilots and alleging the scheme against a local resident, not directly naming Travolta. WCJB reported that LaCruz-Romero is not a U.S. citizen and officers requested no bond since he is a flight risk. Both pilots have since been fired from Constellation Productions. The next court date is scheduled for April 16. Coursey is a wanted man and Marion County Sheriff's Office is offering a cash reward to those offering a tip that could lead to an arrest.