11 Unlicensed “Contractors” Arrested in Sting
An undercover sting operation targeting unlicensed contractors and contractors without workers’ compensation insurance in Manatee County recently resulted in 11 arrests.
The three-day operation was a multi-agency effort that included the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud, the Department of Business & Professional Regulation, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Holmes Police Department and Manatee County Code Enforcement.
The 11 men were each charged with working as an unlicensed contractor and working without workers’ compensation. All 11 were also fined by code enforcement and issued a cease-and-desist order.
Investigators set up the operation at an uninhabited home in Manatee County and contractors were called to perform jobs at the home.
If convicted, the defendants all face up to five years prison for each workers’ compensation charge. For the unlicensed-contractor charge, they face an additional year in prison if they are a first-time offender, or five years for repeat offenders.
Anyone with information about suspected insurance fraud should call 1-800-378-0445. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $25,000 reward through the Department of Financial Service’s Anti-Fraud Reward Program.
Professional licenses can be verified online at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Read the full story at: https://www.bradenton.com/2015/02/14/5635584/11-arrested-in-undercover-sting.html
