TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Travel Agent Gripes Mount

ADVERTISEMENT

By TODD LESKANIC

teskanic@tampatrib.com

Published: April 4, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - Complaints against local travel agent Mario A. Lopez continued to mount Friday as investigators heard from more people who said Lopez didn't deliver after they paid him thousands to arrange a trip.

This time, Lopez is accused of taking $2,600 from unidentified victims to plan a trip to Italy. Lopez, 45, of Hudson, booked trips through a Web site called "MTV Tours" that he established last year.

Pasco County Sheriff's Office detectives haven't been able to locate Lopez since his release from jail last week, sheriff's spokesman Kevin Doll said. Lopez was arrested March 23 and charged with scheme to defraud after several people made similar claims against him. He was released the next day after posting $5,000 bail.

In that case, victims ages 59 and 53 attempted to book a cruise to Ecuador through Lopez. Investigators said he demanded more than $2,100 cash for the trip and an additional $130 to renew their passports.

When the pair called the cruise line to confirm their booking, they were told the money had not been paid. When questioned by a deputy, Lopez said he was trying to borrow money from his parents to repay the pair, whose passports also have not been returned.

Investigators are asking anyone who has lost money to Lopez or knows his whereabouts to contact Deputy Matthew Kadel at 1-800-854-2862.

Lopez is a former Miami resident who has served prison terms for forgery, fraudulent use of a credit card, exploitation of the elderly and grand theft.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT