7-County FL Construction Scheme Results In $3M In Losses

SARASOTA, FL — A Sarasota man was arrested June 25 for a multi-county construction fraud scheme that defrauded at least 13 victims across seven Florida counties, a news release from Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office said.

The scheme, orchestrated by Seth Bloom, resulted in more than $3 million in losses, the office said.
During his arrest, investigators also found a large cache of firearms and ammunition — despite Bloom being a convicted felon.

“This fraudster took advantage of Floridians, and this criminal behavior won’t be tolerated,” Uthmeier said. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our Statewide Prosecutors and the Sarasota Police Department, a convicted felon is off the streets, a massive illegal arsenal is dismantled, and Florida families are safer for it.”

Bloom faces multiple felony charges, including scheme to defraud, misuse of construction funds, grand theft, wire fraud, forgery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

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“This case is a testament to the hard work and coordination of our detectives and partner agencies,” Sarasota police Chief Rex Troche said. “What started as a financial cri]me investigation led to the removal of a significant number of illegally possessed* firearms from our community. It’s another example of our department’s commitment to protecting victims and pursuing justice at every level.”

As part of a joint investigation by the Sarasota Police Department, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives law enforcement seized the following from Bloom's residence:

• 64 firearms (14 handguns and 50 rifles/long guns)
• More than 10,000 rounds of ammunition in more than 14 different calibers
• Computers, business records and additional evidence linked to the fraud.

Bloom is being held at the Sarasota County Jail.

Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded in this case is asked to contact SPD’s Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.

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