The city of Apopka, Florida, United States has recently been shaken by two significant and unrelated criminal cases involving local figures, ranging from high-stakes financial fraud to serious allegations of professional misconduct. Federal and local authorities have moved forward with arrests in both matters, highlighting a turbulent start to 2026 for the community.
Christopher Delgado
On February 24, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced the arrest of Christopher Alexander Delgado, 34, of Apopka. He is the president and chief executive officer of Goliath Ventures, formerly Gen-Z Venture Firm.
Delgado is accused of orchestrating a massive Ponzi scheme that spanned three years, beginning in January 2023. Federal prosecutors allege that he lured investors with the promise of high monthly returns generated through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” However, the complaint suggests the business was a facade.
Instead of investing the capital as promised, Delgado allegedly used funds from new investors to pay off earlier ones. To maintain a veneer of legitimacy, he reportedly utilized:
- Professional marketing materials and luxury events.
- Charitable sponsorships.
- Extravagant holiday parties and business gatherings.
The investigation revealed that investor funds were diverted to support a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of four residential properties valued between $1.15 million and $8.5 million. Delgado now faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering; if convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 30 years in federal prison. The U.S. Department of Justice has established a dedicated webpage and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) contact email for potential victims to self-identify.
Gadiel Rivera
In a separate and more personal breach of trust, the Apopka Police Department arrested Gadiel Rivera Nieves, 26, of Apopka on March 3, 2026. He is a former teacher at Apopka High School.
Rivera is accused of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, 17. According to investigators, the illicit relationship began in 2022 and continued for over a year.
While Rivera was no longer employed at Apopka High School at the time of his arrest, he had remained in the education sector, actively teaching at a charter school in Orlando. He has been charged with sexual battery of a child by a person in custodial authority.
Local law enforcement is concerned there may be additional victims and urges anyone with information to contact the Apopka Police Department at 407-703-1757.
CONAN Daily 