Two men connected to a Florida developer’s alleged murder‑for‑hire plot against his estranged wife have pleaded guilty, bringing the case closer to resolution. The defendants, Clementa Johnson of Tallahassee and Diori Barnard of Miami, both 47, admitted involvement in a campaign that included stalking, arson, poisoning, and an armed threat.
The plot stemmed from a dispute over finances between Sergio Pino, the former head of Century Homebuilders Group, and his wife of 32 years, Tatiana Pino, who filed for divorce in 2022. Federal prosecutors charged nine men in July 2024 with orchestrating a prolonged campaign of intimidation and attempted murder, citing multiple criminal acts such as arson, poisoning, an automobile crash, and the brandishing of a firearm. Pino’s wealth, estimated at more than $165 million, was reportedly a factor in the alleged motives.
Johnson pleaded guilty to murder‑for‑hire conspiracy, murder for hire, stalking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Barnard admitted to murder for hire and conspiracy to commit murder for hire, according to statements from his attorney. Prosecutors said Johnson had been promised $250,000 for recruiting others to kill Tatiana, and that Barnard was one of those recruited.
Pino died by suicide in July 2024 as FBI agents moved to arrest him. Johnson is scheduled for sentencing on December 21, while Barnard’s hearing date remains unclear. Each conspiracy and murder‑for‑hire charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, and the remaining seven defendants are also awaiting sentencing. The case is now one step closer to closure.
