Operation Freelancer III Nabs Unlicensed Contractors

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested nine people on multiple charges during Operation Freelancer III, an investigation to protect citizens from unlicensed contractors.

Detectives worked with the Sarasota County Building Department, the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to contact individuals advertising home repair services that require a license to complete. As subjects arrived at the target residence last week, the DBPR database was checked to determine if they were licensed, registered as a contractor, and/or had the required worker’s compensation coverage or exemption to perform the work they proposed to do.

In all, the operation resulted in nine felony charges and 14 misdemeanor charges. Those arrested have a combined history of 91 prior felony charges and 32 convictions. One of the defendants, Charles Duff, has an extensive criminal history including a conviction for Armed Robbery in 2006 where he entered a bank claiming to be armed with explosives. Another defendant of note is Eric Larson, who was arrested for the second time while trying to contract without a license. The following individuals were arrested during the three-day operation:

  • Patrick Merchant
  • Edilson Dos Santos Pereira
  • Robert Wieselman
  • Alejandro Ventura-Blanco
  • Charles Duff
  • Moises Gonzalez
  • Michael Maggio
  • John Yoder
  • Eric Larson

Since 2012, the sheriff’s office has assigned detectives to investigate claims against people who engage in contracting work without proper licenses, permits or certification. A first offense usually results in a civil citation by code enforcement but subsequent violations lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The defendants also receive a cease and desist order from the State of Florida.

“This is a good reminder why consumers should always seek licensed contractors to perform work on their home or business,” said Sheriff Tom Knight. “Consumers are exposing themselves to financial and physical risk by allowing these people to enter their home, unlicensed, and in some cases, with criminal histories. Not only does this illegal activity pose a threat to consumers, but it also directly effects legitimate business owners operating within the parameters of the law.”

“Our partnership with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is just one step we can take to proactively stop unlicensed contractors in the area,” DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. “The first step consumers can do to protect themselves is always verify the license of a contractor before allowing them to do any work on their home or business. At DBPR, we aim to ensure that Florida’s consumers receive top-notch services from professionals who are licensed and trained to do the job, and we also aim to empower consumers to make well-informed decisions when hiring those professionals.”

Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. Consumers can verify licenses with the DBPR online at www.myfloridalicense.com, by calling 850-487-1395, or download the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play store.

To check a Sarasota County license, call the Customer Service and Permit Center at 861-6678 or 861-3029. To report someone you suspect is acting as an unlicensed contractor or performing work without a permit, call 861-5000. For more information visit https://www.scgov.net/government/departments/planning-and-development-services/building-division/contractor-licensing.

Watch a YouTube video about Operation Freelancer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYH583wXJjc attribute title =”video about Operation Freelancer”

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May 23, 2016 /  
As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week May 15 – 21, BBB and DBPR Team Up to Prepare Floridians

In the event of a natural disaster, we would like to remind Floridians that any repair work performed on a home or business should be completed by a licensed professional.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is teaming up with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to celebrate National Hurricane Preparedness Week by encouraging Floridians to create a plan that outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

In the event of a natural disaster, we would like to remind Floridians that any repair work performed on a home or business should be completed by a licensed professional. Unlicensed contractors will often travel from out of state to a disaster area in an attempt to take advantage of uninformed consumers. The best way to prepare is to be proactive in selecting a properly licensed contractor and to use good judgment with sales calls, door-to-door pitches or low prices that appear too good to be true.

Both BBB and DBPR have online resources to prepare consumers:

  • BBB’s Florida Hurricane Guide (www.bbb.org/west-florida/hurricanes) provides a one-stop resource page to help Florida’s consumers, businesses and nonprofits prepare for hurricane season which runs June 1st to Nov 30th. Within this guide, you will find tips on disaster preparedness, recovery and repair, how to avoid storm chaser scams, giving wisely to disaster relief charities and additional government resources.
  • BBB provides information on how to find a properly licensed professional, including an easy to use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at www.bbb.org/west-florida/licensing.
  • Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under DBPR’s jurisdiction by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
  • DBPR’s 2016 Natural Disaster Guide provides steps to prevent consumers from becoming victims of unlicensed activity after a natural disaster.
  • Disaster victims should never feel pressured to make a decision by an unknown contractor. Start with trust and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. For reliable information, lists of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry and BBB Business Reviews you can trust on local businesses, visit www.bbb.org or call (727) 535-5522. Always verify a contractor’s license by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app.
May 20, 2016 /  
DBPR Encourages Minority Accounting Students to Apply for Clay Ford Scholarship

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Certified Public Accounting is encouraging fifth-year minority accounting students statewide to apply for this year’s Clay Ford Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded each year through the CPA Education Minority Assistance Program to students who exhibit financial need and plan to remain in school for the fifth year required to obtain a CPA license. Since the program’s implementation in 1999, $1.7 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to minority CPA students across the state, accounting for an additional 80 minority candidates licensed as CPAs in Florida.

“Investing in the success of our diverse student body will continue to drive innovation in Florida,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “The Clay Ford Scholarship aids our students with professional development and alleviates the debt they may accrue so they can successfully join the workforce after graduation. Florida’s diverse population makes it an exceptional state to live and do business and we encourage these bright students to make Florida their permanent home.”

Applications for the scholarship must be postmarked by June 1, 2016. For more information about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria and the application process, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com/CPAScholarship.

The CPA Education Minority Assistance Program was established to encourage fifth-year accounting students to finish their schooling and complete the necessary requirements to obtain a Florida CPA license. The Clay Ford Scholarship is funded by a $10 portion from each individual CPA and firm license fee. Recipients of the scholarship award receive between $3,000 and $6,000 per semester for a maximum of two semesters. During the 2015-16 academic year, a total of thirty-six students won the award from nine different colleges including, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Florida International University and the University of West Florida.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com.

April 12, 2016 /  
Undercover sting leads to 10 fraud arrests in Manatee County

PALMETTO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) today announced 10 arrests following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation sting in Manatee County. These 10 individuals advertised their ability to perform wide-ranging plumbing and electrical work without proper licenses or training, and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.

During the two-day operation, DIF detectives, accompanied by logistical and tactical support from multiple agencies, established an undercover sting in an effort to stop this illegal practice. Detectives responded to public advertisements created by the defendants, requesting that they perform services at a specified location in Manatee County.

“This partnered operation serves as a reminder to all Floridians that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Consumers should ask questions, get all offers in writing and verify the credentials of every individual who may provide goods or services before any work begins.”

Those who were arrested include:

  • Carmelo Montalvo
  • Joseph V. Richard
  • Mark W. Colvin
  • Ernest J. LeBrecque
  • Mitchell M. Torres
  • John Goodman
  • Rocki Fair II
  • Scott H. Zimpel
  • Brandon A. Jorquera
  • Vadim Davydov

When individuals knowingly neglect the law, they create a liability risk for property owners by performing sub-par work and by potentially leaving property owners responsible to cover medical costs if an uncovered worker is hurt on their property. Multiple agencies played a vital role in securing the sting’s successful outcome, including the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

“We are proud to collaborate with such strong local and state agencies to proactively combat unlicensed activity and stop unlicensed individuals in their tracks,” DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. “Unlicensed activity threatens the livelihood of honest, hardworking professionals and can result in substantial physical or financial burdens to Florida consumers. That’s why it is crucial for consumers to always verify a contractor’s license with DBPR prior to hiring them for work on their homes or businesses.”

The 10 individuals arrested were booked into Manatee County Jail on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and unlicensed contracting, and if convicted, they can face up to 5 years in prison, more if found to be a repeat offender. These cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Manatee County State Attorney Ed Brodsky.

April 2, 2016 /  
DBPR Issues Consumer Advisory Warning of Unlicensed Contractors in St. Johns County

St. Johns, Fla.– The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today issued a consumer advisory after the Division of Regulation successfully conducted a sting operation targeting unlicensed individuals in the St. Johns County area. The unlicensed individuals were issued Notices to Cease and Desist for offering to perform electrical and construction services that require a state-issued professional license.

DBPR cautions consumers in the St. Johns County area of the following unlicensed individuals:

  • Neftali J. Maldonado, age 36
  • Jack Harvey Fosler, age 67
  • Michael Leon Johns, age 44
  • William Edward Haast III, age 62
  • Charles V Priano, age 53
  • Christopher Allen Bravo, age 29
  • Richard Vazquez, age 44
  • Gary Graham, age 65
  • Osborn Blount III, age 53
  • Terrance Alexander Missick, age 64
  • Paul Timothy Hopper, age 54
  • Darryl William Baker, age 54

Consumers should always verify licenses prior to hiring contractors for any electrical and construction work requiring a state-issued license. Licenses can be verified by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure and holds the people who have met these requirements to high professional standards. Floridians are asked to report any suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1 (866) 532-1440.

March 15, 2016 /