Two defendants, involved in a murder-for-hire plot targeting the estranged wife of South Florida developer Sergio Pino, entered guilty pleas in federal court. Avery Bivins admitted to charges of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, stalking, and brandishing a firearm to further a crime of violence. Bivins could face a life sentence, along with fines reaching up to $250,000 for each charge. Michael Dulfo also entered a guilty plea to charges of stalking, promoting racketeering, and using a firearm in furtherance of a felony. He faces a potential 40-year prison sentence and similar fines.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Sergio Pino allegedly hired multiple hitmen to kill his estranged wife, Tatiana. The couple had been embroiled in divorce proceedings since 2022. In July 2024, authorities attempted to arrest Pino at his Coral Gables residence, but he took his own life. His charges would have included conspiracy to commit murder.
A criminal complaint detailed the extensive plot involving various individuals. Bayron Bennent, one of the hired personnel on Pino’s yacht, was implicated in vehicle arson and acquiring fentanyl intended to poison Tatiana Pino. When the initial attempt failed, another crew rammed her car with a flatbed truck. As the investigation unfolded, Pino remained determined to fulfill the murder plot.
Fausto Villar, a roofer who had worked for Pino, was contacted by Bivins in late 2023. Bivins, in turn, recruited others to complete the murder for $150,000, with an agreement that it should occur before the next divorce proceedings. The plot culminated in an attempted shooting on June 23, 2024, which was thwarted as Tatiana Pino escaped after being confronted outside her home.
According to authorities, during this attempt, Green, one of the assailants, pointed a gun at Pino’s adult daughter, who had emerged following the commotion. However, Green refrained from shooting her, adhering to the original contract’s terms. Both Bivins and Dulfo are set to be sentenced in federal court on July 8.
Understanding the Impact
The events surrounding this case shed light on the lengths individuals might go to in resolving personal disputes, highlighting the potential dangers of strained relationships. The severe legal consequences faced by the defendants underscore the seriousness of engaging in criminal conspiracies and the robust response of law enforcement to protect individuals from such threats.
For residents of South Florida, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The involvement of multiple individuals in this plot also emphasizes the need for awareness about whom we associate with and the potential implications of those associations on personal safety and legal ramifications. Such cases also stress the importance of seeking legal and peaceful resolutions to personal conflicts to prevent escalation into violence.