Florida man who smeared boat with blood and abandoned it at sea to fake his own death faces federal charges

Richard Ohrn admitted to orchestrating the hoax in order to 'escape legal issues'

A photographer takes a picture of the rental boat Ohrn used to fake his death (Palm Beach Country Sherriff/WPTV)

A man who faked his own death by renting a boat, smearing it with his own blood and leaving it at sea to be found is facing federal charges for communication of false distress.

Richard Ohrn, A former financial advisor from Boca Raton, Florida, had been accused of forging customer signatures, and changing customer file information in order to withdraw money totalling $15,000 from the accounts of elderly clients.

He was put under investigation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in response to the complaint.

On 1 April 2015, a boat that Ohrn had rented was found smeared with his blood and containing his wallet and car keys. The motor was still running, and Ohrn was nowhere to be seen.

Ohrn’s father expressed confusion at the time, saying “He’s a strong swimmer and a certified scuba diver”.

Suspicions were aroused when it was reported that Ohrn had asked a marine repair shop to fix an eight horsepower outboard motor “in case the fishing board motor failed”. He had also reportedly purchased an inflatable boat prior to his disappearance.

On 12 April, Ohrn called the police himself, and admitted to orchestrating the hoax in order to “escape legal issues” and said he had hoped to start a new life.

Ohrn is now facing federal charges for communication of false distress, as well as being responsible for the repayment of search costs totalling $400,000.

He is currently behind bars awaiting trial.