Songwriter Estefano sues 'father figure'

MIAMI, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Latin songwriter and producer Fabio "Estefano" Salgado has filed a Florida lawsuit claiming that his former financial adviser conspired to rob him.

Salgado alleges that Jose Luis Gil, described as someone who had been a "father figure" as well as adviser, plotted with the man he recommended as a handyman and the head of a Santeria church in West Kendall, The Miami Herald reported. Investigators said the handyman, Francisco Oliveira, shot Salgado and seriously wounded him in May.

Gil allegedly embezzled millions of dollars.

In his complaint, Salgado said he learned after the shooting that Gil had taken complete control of his finances. Gil allegedly sent money to overseas accounts and allowed Oliveira to draw on the funds.

Salgado has worked with Gloria Estefan, Marc Antony, Shakira and other Latin music stars.

Frank Rubino, representing Oliveira in the criminal case, told the Herald his client and Gil were members of the Ochoa Yoruba Church. But he said there was nothing sinister about the connection.