Mariano Rivera Targeted in Alleged $1 Million Investment Scam

A financial investigation in Florida has uncovered allegations that Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera was misled into investing $1 million in a fictitious entertainment development in Orlando. The probe centers on Steven Harry Minard, who reportedly convinced Rivera to back a project through his company, Orlando World Live, LLC (OWL), which investigators claim was never as it appeared.

The affidavit from the Florida Office of Financial Regulation outlines that Minard promoted OWL as a grand entertainment and urban development venture for downtown Orlando, boasting a staggering first phase cost of $5 billion. Promotional materials detailed plans for various attractions, including resorts, theaters, shopping areas, museums, esports venues, live entertainment spots, and even an animated movie studio.

According to the affidavit, Rivera made his investment in January 2022, reassured by claims that the project had secured necessary financing and partnerships, with promises of at least a 30% annual return. Minard allegedly provided professional presentations and documentation intended to validate the project's legitimacy. However, investigators found no record of any permit applications or related filings with the City of Orlando, suggesting the project was a fabrication.

Further scrutiny revealed that Rivera's funds were transferred to a trust account controlled by a New York attorney before being quickly distributed to various third parties, with no evidence these funds were used for any legitimate business activities related to OWL. The investigation also uncovered that Minard had allegedly created counterfeit financial documents, including a falsified Chase Bank proof-of-funds screenshot claiming over $70 million in assets, which independent bank records did not corroborate.

As a result of these findings, Minard faces serious charges, including organized fraud exceeding $50,000 and operating as an unregistered securities dealer. The case highlights the vulnerabilities even high-profile individuals face in financial dealings.