Judge Sentences Paul Andrew Gulbronson for Defrauding Investors in Western Pennsylvania
A Florida man was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for his role in a $5 million wire fraud scheme involving dilapidated rental properties in western Pennsylvania. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the sentencing of Paul Andrew Gulbronson, 59, of Hudson, Florida, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Gulbronson, who ran the scheme with his wife, Kelly Bonilla, from Florida and Pennsylvania, was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy. Bonilla is currently a fugitive residing in Panama.
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The Citrona Homes Scheme
Operating under the name Citrona Homes from 2017 to mid-2019, Gulbronson and Bonilla used telemarketing and online ads to lure out-of-state investors. They promised to sell “fully renovated” properties in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and rent them out to Section 8 tenants, promising passive income.
However, investigators revealed the truth was far different. Citrona purchased over 100 distressed properties for about $2 million and resold them to investors for roughly $6 million. The properties, many of which were uninhabitable or even vacant lots, were sold at greatly inflated prices. Photos on the company’s website were staged, showing properties that didn’t accurately reflect what investors were actually buying.
According to financial records, investors were swindled out of approximately $5 million.
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Justice and Accountability
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti praised the law enforcement agencies for their work in bringing Gulbronson to justice. “Paul Gulbronson misled investors… to swindle millions of dollars from those victims,” Rivetti stated. “As a result of the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, Gulbronson has been brought to justice and held accountable for his egregious criminal activity.”
Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, noted that Gulbronson used the ill-gotten gains to fund a lavish lifestyle, including dining out, air travel, home furnishings, and lease payments for his residences in Florida.
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Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Brendan T. Conway prosecuted the case. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General led the investigation.
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