Citrus County – Over the past few weeks, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) has teamed with the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Citrus County Licensing Division to conduct an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors offering services within our community. The multi-agency operation utilized an undercover residence within our community to facilitate the sting. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) contacted people posting as “Handyman” or “Home Repair” to social media. Others were targeted after the DBPR or the Citrus County Licensing Division received complaints of unlicensed activity having been performed by specific suspects. These “Handymen” pose as contractors or do not have the proper licensing to perform specific home repairs.
According to the Citrus County Licensing Division, tasks that a “Handyman” can complete without licensing include, but are not limited to painting, trim work, cabinetry, and flooring. Those arrested during the investigation agreed to do work that was considered “structural”, meaning major repairs such as replacing exterior doors and windows were to be performed for compensation. Many of those arrested agreed to complete electrical, air conditioning, or plumbing work as well. Such tasks require proper licensing and permitting.
“DBPR is proud to partner with the Citrus County Sherriff’s Office to proactively combat unlicensed activity in Florida,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “Unlicensed individuals take advantage of Florida consumers by offering to make repairs for dubiously low prices, performing substandard work and often leaving without finishing the job. To avoid potential financial and safety risks, consumers should always verify a contractor’s license with DBPR prior to hiring them to work on their homes or businesses.”
Those with a specific question regarding licensing or code compliance can contact the Department of Business Regulation and the Citrus County Licensing Division. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates contractors to provide various construction and electrical services in the state of Florida. By law, contractors licensed by DBPR must include their license number in all advertising. Consumers can verify professional licenses with DBPR online at DBPR Online Services, by calling (850) 487-1395.
NOTE: The drug and driving charges were a result of suspects arriving at the meeting location with drugs or no driver’s licenses.
Although there were 13 people arrested during this operation, charges are pending on others not yet arrested. Warrants are being pursued for others related to this investigation. Additionally, the undercover investigators are working with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Senior vs. Crimes Unit to identify if any of those arrested have previous complaints.
To date, the operation has arrested 13 people on various charges:
Jerry P Mathes Jr.
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
George Clinton Horton
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
- 1 Count 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended
Robert Edward Alexander Carlisle
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
- 1 Count 893.03(6)(B) Possession of Cannabis under 20 Grams
- 1 Count 893.147(1) Possession of Paraphernalia
Culberth Lee Duncan Jr. (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Douglas Henry Stawarz (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
David Allen Nice 12.25.79 (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Francesco Sciolino (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Joanne Jean Chavez (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Arthur Eugene Bolinger Jr. (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
- 1 Count 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended (Criminal Traffic Citation Issued)
Ted Madison Bachman (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Sasha Schiller (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Justin Douglas Shingler (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
- 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
Tina Louise Cockrell (Notice to Appear Issued)
- 1 Count 499.03 (2) Possession of Prescription Drug without Prescription
You can find mug shots at sheriffcitrus.org.
