Unlicensed Lutz Business Busted in Telemarketing Crackdown

The owner of an unlicensed telemarketing business in Lutz was one of 14 people arrested following a crackdown by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

More than $75,000 in fines were issued in the telemarketing roundup, according to a news release. Officials investigated “several telemarketing rooms” in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and found two that were operating illegally.

Brainard McKinley Morgan, 45, was busted for operating an unlicensed telemarketing business with seven unlicensed salespersons at Morgan Air Conditioning, 14807 North 12th St. in Lutz. Officials said the telemarketers were calling residences in an attempt to get new customers.

Florida law requires that all telephone solicitation businesses and salespersons be licensed.

Morgan was issued a $19,500 fine and he and the seven salespersons were slapped with Cease and Desist Orders.

Authorities also arrested Jason Bortz, 38, owner of Interactive Study Systems, 3985 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 200 in Pinellas Park, and charged him with 10 counts of employing unlicensed telemarketers, the department said.

“In addition to Bortz, 12 salespersons were also arrested, 10 for unlicensed telemarketing and two on outstanding warrants,” the release stated. “A Cease and Desist Order was issued to the business and to the unlicensed salespersons. An administrative fine of $56,000 was also issued.” 

Here were the additional arrests, according to the release:

• Jonathan Boudreaux (DOB 7/28/82), Telemarketing without a license
• Larry Bradley (DOB 7/21/75), Telemarketing without a license
• Eric Goltz (DOB 12/15/81), Telemarketing without a license
• Jose Lebron (DOB 2/20/67), Telemarketing without a license
• Xavier Hinds (DOB 10/08/81), Telemarketing without a license
• Zakia Walters (DOB 01/19/81), Telemarketing without a license
• Stephanie Smith (DOB 7/05/79); Telemarketing without a license 
• Thomas Pribe (DOB 11/16/76), Telemarketing without a license 
• Carolyn Handy (DOB 11/18/65), Telemarketing without a license
• Toi Harris (DOB 02/02/83), Telemarketing without a license
• Joseph Zukosky (DOB- 9/13/85), Outstanding Arrest Warrant, Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction
• Patrice Lafaye Ashe (DOB 9/15/71), Outstanding Arrest Warrant, Worthless Checks.