Eight Arrested in Polk County Workers’ Compensation Fraud Bust

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) today announced eight arrests following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation sting in Polk County. These eight 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 three-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 Lakeland.

“Operations like this pull back the curtain on fraud in Florida, showing that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Always ask questions, require 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:

  • Justin Cortes
  • Greatlen Bozeman
  • Herbert Vanegas
  • Henricus Van Der Linden
  • Stuart Rhodes
  • Juan Carlos Diaz
  • Raymond Figueroa-Garcia
  • Raymond Perdue

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 Lakeland Police Department, State Attorney’s Office, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

“We’re proud to have worked alongside strong state and local agencies to conduct the sting in Lakeland, and we will continue to be proactive in our efforts to protect Florida’s consumers and licensed professionals,” DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. “Unlicensed contractors lack the necessary training, qualifications and insurance to complete a job in compliance with building codes and often leave consumers responsible for additional costs to repair substandard work. At DBPR, we’re committed to bringing these unlicensed individuals into compliance with the law and mitigating the potential for consumer harm”.

Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens said, “We must be vigilant and continue to crack down on those who are contracting work illegally and working without a license. Unlicensed contractors place our citizens at risk and threaten the livelihood of our law-abiding contractors and their employees”.

Of the eight individuals arrested seven were booked into Polk County Jail on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and unlicensed contracting. Raymond Purdue carried adequate workers’ compensation coverage but failed to hold a business license. He was charged with unlicensed contracting and was also booked into Polk County Jail.

These cases will be prosecuted by the Office of State Attorney Jerry Hill, 10th Judicial Circuit. If convicted, all eight perpetrators face up to five years in prison, more if found to be a repeat offender.

Originally posted on the Florida DFS website.

June 21, 2016 /  
BBB & DBPR Team Up Again to Combat Unlicensed Activity in Florida

Don’t fall victim to unlicensed activity; research professionals and businesses prior to hiring.

Clearwater, FL – With Unlicensed Activity Awareness Week occurring June 13 – 17, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are teaming up again to remind Floridians to thoroughly research professionals and businesses prior to hiring and to report any suspected unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity is against the law. BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida consumers and takes away business from properly licensed professionals throughout the state.

“BBB has the tools to help consumers find licensed professionals they can trust,” said Karen Nalven, President of BBB Serving West Florida. “Remember to look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal when choosing a contractor to know they are properly licensed and have been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust including a commitment to be responsive, advertise honestly and honor their promises.”

“Unlicensed activity threatens the livelihood of honest, hardworking professionals and can result in substantial physical or financial burdens to Florida consumers,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “DBPR strives to ensure Florida consumers receive services from people and businesses that are in compliance with the law and meet the qualifications and standards required to obtain their state-issued license. Consumers can empower themselves by becoming familiar with what services require a license from DBPR and by always verifying a license before hiring a professional.”

Both BBB and DBPR have online resources to educate consumers on how to report unlicensed activity.

  • BBB provides information on how to find properly licensed professionals, including an easy to use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at www.bbb.org/.
  • Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under DBPR’s jurisdiction by visiting DBPR Online, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
  • Information on services requiring a state-issued professional license from DBPR and how to report suspected unlicensed activity is available online at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/unlicensed-activity/report-unlicensed-activity/.
  • Consumers can submit complaints of unlicensed activity with descriptions and pictures using the “Report Unlicensed Activity” feature on the DBPR Mobile app. To learn more about reporting unlicensed activity to DBPR using the mobile app, consumers can watch the how-to video below or visit the DBPR mobile app webpage at the DBPR Mobile App Page.

June 13, 2016 /  
Joint Operation Targets Unlicensed Contractors

Citrus County – Over the past few weeks, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) has teamed with the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Citrus County Licensing Division to conduct an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors offering services within our community. The multi-agency operation utilized an undercover residence within our community to facilitate the sting. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) contacted people posting as “Handyman” or “Home Repair” to social media. Others were targeted after the DBPR or the Citrus County Licensing Division received complaints of unlicensed activity having been performed by specific suspects. These “Handymen” pose as contractors or do not have the proper licensing to perform specific home repairs.

According to the Citrus County Licensing Division, tasks that a “Handyman” can complete without licensing include, but are not limited to painting, trim work, cabinetry, and flooring. Those arrested during the investigation agreed to do work that was considered “structural”, meaning major repairs such as replacing exterior doors and windows were to be performed for compensation. Many of those arrested agreed to complete electrical, air conditioning, or plumbing work as well. Such tasks require proper licensing and permitting.

“DBPR is proud to partner with the Citrus County Sherriff’s Office to proactively combat unlicensed activity in Florida,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “Unlicensed individuals take advantage of Florida consumers by offering to make repairs for dubiously low prices, performing substandard work and often leaving without finishing the job. To avoid potential financial and safety risks, consumers should always verify a contractor’s license with DBPR prior to hiring them to work on their homes or businesses.”

Those with a specific question regarding licensing or code compliance can contact the Department of Business Regulation and the Citrus County Licensing Division. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates contractors to provide various construction and electrical services in the state of Florida. By law, contractors licensed by DBPR must include their license number in all advertising. Consumers can verify professional licenses with DBPR online at DBPR Online Services, by calling (850) 487-1395.

NOTE: The drug and driving charges were a result of suspects arriving at the meeting location with drugs or no driver’s licenses.

Although there were 13 people arrested during this operation, charges are pending on others not yet arrested. Warrants are being pursued for others related to this investigation. Additionally, the undercover investigators are working with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Senior vs. Crimes Unit to identify if any of those arrested have previous complaints.

To date, the operation has arrested 13 people on various charges:

Jerry P Mathes Jr.

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

George Clinton Horton

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
  • 1 Count 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended

Robert Edward Alexander Carlisle

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
  • 1 Count 893.03(6)(B) Possession of Cannabis under 20 Grams
  • 1 Count 893.147(1) Possession of Paraphernalia

Culberth Lee Duncan Jr. (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Douglas Henry Stawarz (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

David Allen Nice 12.25.79 (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Francesco Sciolino (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Joanne Jean Chavez (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Arthur Eugene Bolinger Jr. (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
  • 1 Count 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended (Criminal Traffic Citation Issued)

Ted Madison Bachman (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Sasha Schiller (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Justin Douglas Shingler (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Tina Louise Cockrell (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 499.03 (2) Possession of Prescription Drug without Prescription

You can find mug shots at sheriffcitrus.org.

June 3, 2016 /  
DBPR Reminds Florida Consumers to Protect Themselves by Verifying State Licenses This Hurricane Season

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today marks the beginning of the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is reminding consumers, businesses and professionals to protect themselves following the event of a natural disaster by hiring licensed professionals to perform repair services. There are numerous risks Floridians face during the hurricane season that increase the potential danger for unlicensed activity scams and threaten the livelihood of consumers.

“Hurricane season is a time when the state of Florida has a greater risk for storm-related damage to homes and businesses,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “Verifying the state-issued license of a professional with DBPR is one of the best ways for consumers to protect their safety and financial wellbeing after a natural disaster hits. With the right knowledge of what to do following a hurricane, Floridians can prevent a natural disaster from turning into a financial disaster.”

There is often an influx of unlicensed contracting activity during hurricane season. Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual who is not licensed by the state provides or offers to provide services that require a license in the state of Florida. There are instances where contractors may travel from out of state to areas affected by natural disasters to take advantage of the extensive repair work. DBPR reminds Florida consumers that licensed contractors in another state are still required to obtain a state license from DBPR to perform construction services on a Florida home or business.

During a natural disaster, DBPR may dispatch groups to organize door-to-door sweeps in conjunction with law enforcement, building departments and other state agencies. Consumers should report suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440 or by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com. Unlicensed activity is illegal and during a state of emergency declared by executive order of the Governor, the penalty for unlicensed activity raises from a misdemeanor offense to a third-degree felony.

DBPR reminds consumers to be knowledgeable of the common storm-related construction services that require state licensure in an effort to prevent unlicensed activity scams. Roof repairs, roof installations, plumbing repairs, window installations, electrical repairs and rewiring all require a state license with DBPR. However, trimming or removal of fallen trees, removal of debris or placement of tarps on roofs do not require a state license.

In the event of services requiring state licensure being needed following a storm, DBPR urges consumers to always verify the license prior to hiring or signing a contract. Consumers may verify a license 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.

June 1, 2016 /  
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 on the DBPR Home Page, 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/planning-and-development-services/building.

May 23, 2016 /