Hurricane Ian Victim Targeted By Unlicensed Contractor: Venice Police

VENICE, FL — An unlicensed contractor faces charges after entering into a contract to replace the roof of an elderly Hurricane Ian victim’s mobile home for $47,000, according to a Venice Police Department news release.

Eric Ziko, 36, of Orlando has been charged with engaging in a contracting business without certification and performing work without a building permit, according to Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office jail records.

Venice police and the city’s code enforcement department have been working together “to combat bad actors with intentions of taking advantage of the good people of Venice” after Hurricane Ian, VPD said.

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When investigators noticed Zito’s truck parked outside a home, they stopped to ask him questions about his work. They learned that he presented himself as a licensed roofing contractor before entering a contract with the victim, the agency said.

The victim gave Ziko a 50 percent deposit, which investigators are working to recover, police added.

Police warn that anyone who has entered a contract with Ziko or the company E and Z US Roofing based in Ocoee should report them to their local law enforcement agency.