Owners of Major Cigar Importer All-American Farms Killed in Florida Shooting
Two senior figures in the premium cigar supply chain died in a fatal shooting in Florida. The incident has sent shockwaves through the logistics side of the cigar industry and raised serious questions about financial disputes behind the scenes.
A Tragic Incident in Boynton Beach
On Monday, January 12, Charles Geragi, 67, and Richard Geragi, 72, were shot and killed at their company offices in Boynton Beach, Florida. Both men owned All-American Farms, Inc., a key player in cigar import logistics. Police responded to reports of gunfire at the firm’s High Ridge Road location shortly before 4 p.m.
Authorities later confirmed that both brothers died at the scene. The suspect fled immediately after the shooting, triggering a large police response across the area.
The Role of All-American Farms in the Cigar Industry
All-American Farms, Inc. operates largely behind the scenes. The company handles import logistics for handmade cigars entering the United States. Its work includes customs coordination, international shipping, and delivery to domestic warehouses.
While the name rarely appears on cigar bands or boxes, shipping records reveal a wide client base. Companies linked to its import activity include Aganorsa Leaf, AJ Fernandez, Altadis U.S.A., La Aurora, and Oliva. The firm also imports non-tobacco goods from several global markets.
This makes the incident particularly impactful for the wider premium cigar ecosystem.
Fraud Case at the Centre of the Shooting
Police identified the shooter as Nesar Dawla, 39, of West Palm Beach. Investigators linked the case to an earlier fraud conviction involving his brother, Sadman Dawla. Courts found Sadman Dawla guilty of four felony counts of grand theft exceeding $100,000.
Authorities stated that the fraud cost the Geragi brothers more than $5 million. Charles Geragi had arranged a meeting with Nesar Dawla to discuss recovering part of those losses.
During that meeting, police say Dawla drew a handgun and shot both men.
Suspect Flees and Dies After Police Pursuit
After the shooting, Dawla fled across the street and escaped in a white Cadillac SUV. A citizen later reported the vehicle as suspicious about 2.5 miles away. Police attempted a traffic stop around 4:40 p.m.
Dawla refused to stop. Officers pursued the vehicle briefly. During the pursuit, police observed Dawla shoot himself. The SUV then crashed into a tree near Leisureville Boulevard.
SWAT officers later confirmed Dawla died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigation and Wider Impact
Police acknowledged they previously investigated Nesar Dawla in connection with the fraud case. Investigators said they lacked sufficient evidence to charge him at the time.
Local schools and businesses entered temporary lockdowns as a precaution. Authorities stressed the incident did not involve any schools directly.
For the cigar industry, the deaths mark a rare and deeply unsettling moment. The logistics sector often operates quietly, yet it underpins every premium cigar reaching retail shelves.
