73 Unlicensed Contractors Charged In Covert Operation: Deputies

TAMPA, FL - Hillsborough deputies have charged 73 people with fraud and unlicensed contracting in a three-month investigation that started in June. The covert investigations dubbed Operation Rebuild and Operation Swift Wind included the arrest of five people on felony charges during the state of emergency for Hurricane Irma.

Detectives gathered information from multiple sources regularly used by homeowners to contact contractors and "handy man" services, including Angie's List, Home Adviser, Facebook, Craig's List, and various citizen complaints.

Detectives contacted 310 potential unlicensed contractors. Of the 310 contractors contacted, 114 returned calls for quotes and met with detectives. Detectives received written quotes from the 73 people totaling $1.9 million.

Detectives also initiated "Operation Swift Wind," which targeted unlicensed contractors conducting business during the state of emergency of Hurricane Irma that was declared by Gov. Rick Scott on Sept. 4. Detectives contacted 10 potential unlicensed contractors, resulting in five arrests for felony charges.

Under the Florida Building Code, contractors involved in building, improving, and/or demolition of a public or private building or structure must obtain the corresponding contractor license for the work to be completed.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the arrests for contracting without a license during a state of emergency. They were: Alvaro Rojas, Richard Hanke, Dennis Hollingsworth. Gino Michaels and Angelo Thomas.

The sheriff warned that an unlicensed contractor is not regulated, their work and the materials used may be substandard, they provide no warranty, and the work is done without the required permits and inspections. This can lead to costly repairs, code violations, and other liabilities.

The sheriff’s office said beware of: Door-to-door sales or internet offers for home improvement which seem too good of a deal; contractors who ask for large sums of money up front, especially cash; a contractor who asks you the homeowner to obtain your own building permit or that the work can be done without one; a contractor who will not show you his contractor's license and insurance documents upon demand.

These agencies assisted the sheriff’s office in the investigation: the State Attorney's Office, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Department of Financial Services, and the Hillsborough County Building Department.

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