Associated Press

MIAMI -- Two men posed as a Secret Service agent and CIA operative to swindle people by claiming they were involved in a "secret operation'' to retrieve millions stolen from Cuban leader Fidel Castro, prosecutors said Thursday.

One victim was promised $50 million for his support once the money was recovered, the fraud and conspiracy indictment said. Two others were promised $3 million and $1 million each. If convicted, Roberto Martin could face 20 years in prison and Christopher Johnson five years.

Martin told the victims that he was a former Cuban intelligence officer who defected from Cuba and was now working with the CIA to recover money that he had helped steal from Castro, the indictment said.

In return for the front money, backers were promised some of Castro's money and were told to open accounts at a Miami branch of a big-name brokerage house to
receive their share. Martin wrote corporate checks that bounced if the backers asked for their money back or reimbursement for expenses.

Martin carried a 9 mm handgun and a law enforcement-style badge case at meetings in an alleged scam that played out over seven months, culminating in a New
York City hotel meeting and an invitation to the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange, the indictment said.

Johnson carried a gun, wore an earpiece-style radio and used a Secret Service business card in the name of Chris McClenic. Johnson told victims that he was
helping Martin with the secret mission.

The victims were identified in the indictment only by their initials. Their losses were not listed.

Martin pleaded innocent and his bond was set at $100,000 at an initial appearance Wednesday. Assistant Federal Defender Tony Natale, who was appointed to
represent him, said he didn't expect to get any more background from prosecutors for weeks.

Johnson was scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon.

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