Business Owner Defrauded Customers Of $792K: Bradenton Police

BRADENTON, FL — After a nearly year-long investigation, the owner of Gulf View Windows and Doors at 2620 Manatee Ave. W. was arrested Tuesday and faces multiple charges, according to a Bradenton Police Department news release.

Jeremy Demers, 45, was charged with misappropriating construction funds ($100,000 or more) and scheming to defraud ($50,000 or more). Both are first-degree felonies.

In early 2023, Demers assumed ownership of the company from his brother, Jordan, who was diagnosed with cancer and died in April of last year.

Detective Michael Carpenter began investigating complaints from Buky Construction and Easton Construction, companies that both reported that after Demers took over the business, GVWD failed to fulfill their orders, leading to liens being placed on their properties, police said.

Between October 2023 and March 2024, the companies paid GVWD more than $792,000 for products made by E.S. Construction.

Demers placed orders to E.S. Construction, but instead of paying the manufacturer, he funneled the money into multiple business and personal accounts, police said. Financial subpoenas showed that he maintained at least 21 accounts with various financial institutions, including Bank OZK, SoFi, Fifth Third Bank and American Express.

Between August 2023 and November 2024, Demers transferred customer funds deposited into the GVWB business accounts to his other accounts or a payroll company account from which he would then withdraw money. He did the same with a $1 million life insurance policy payout, police said.

Demers used customers' money for personal expenses, including travel, gambling and investments in digital currency. This includes spending nearly $20,000 on airline tickets and at least $200,000 on gambling. Additionally, he made several ATM withdrawals at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, and charged expensive meals, spa treatments, and purchases from gift shops on-site.

Detective Carpenter obtained arrest warrants for Demers in March. After being contacted by the detective, Demers agreed to meet at police headquarters and was arrested.

Anyone with a similar complaint against Gulf View Windows and Doors is asked to contact Detective Carpenter at michael.carpenter@bradentonpd.com.