Undercover sting leads to 10 fraud arrests in Manatee County

PALMETTO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) today announced 10 arrests following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation sting in Manatee County. These 10 individuals advertised their ability to perform wide-ranging plumbing and electrical work without proper licenses or training, and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.

During the two-day operation, DIF detectives, accompanied by logistical and tactical support from multiple agencies, established an undercover sting in an effort to stop this illegal practice. Detectives responded to public advertisements created by the defendants, requesting that they perform services at a specified location in Manatee County.

“This partnered operation serves as a reminder to all Floridians that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Consumers should ask questions, get all offers in writing and verify the credentials of every individual who may provide goods or services before any work begins.”

Those who were arrested include:

  • Carmelo Montalvo
  • Joseph V. Richard
  • Mark W. Colvin
  • Ernest J. LeBrecque
  • Mitchell M. Torres
  • John Goodman
  • Rocki Fair II
  • Scott H. Zimpel
  • Brandon A. Jorquera
  • Vadim Davydov

When individuals knowingly neglect the law, they create a liability risk for property owners by performing sub-par work and by potentially leaving property owners responsible to cover medical costs if an uncovered worker is hurt on their property. Multiple agencies played a vital role in securing the sting’s successful outcome, including the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

“We are proud to collaborate with such strong local and state agencies to proactively combat unlicensed activity and stop unlicensed individuals in their tracks,” DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. “Unlicensed activity threatens the livelihood of honest, hardworking professionals and can result in substantial physical or financial burdens to Florida consumers. That’s why it is crucial for consumers to always verify a contractor’s license with DBPR prior to hiring them for work on their homes or businesses.”

The 10 individuals arrested were booked into Manatee County Jail on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and unlicensed contracting, and if convicted, they can face up to 5 years in prison, more if found to be a repeat offender. These cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Manatee County State Attorney Ed Brodsky.

April 2, 2016 /  
DBPR Issues Consumer Advisory Warning of Unlicensed Contractors in St. Johns County

St. Johns, Fla.– The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today issued a consumer advisory after the Division of Regulation successfully conducted a sting operation targeting unlicensed individuals in the St. Johns County area. The unlicensed individuals were issued Notices to Cease and Desist for offering to perform electrical and construction services that require a state-issued professional license.

DBPR cautions consumers in the St. Johns County area of the following unlicensed individuals:

  • Neftali J. Maldonado, age 36
  • Jack Harvey Fosler, age 67
  • Michael Leon Johns, age 44
  • William Edward Haast III, age 62
  • Charles V Priano, age 53
  • Christopher Allen Bravo, age 29
  • Richard Vazquez, age 44
  • Gary Graham, age 65
  • Osborn Blount III, age 53
  • Terrance Alexander Missick, age 64
  • Paul Timothy Hopper, age 54
  • Darryl William Baker, age 54

Consumers should always verify licenses prior to hiring contractors for any electrical and construction work requiring a state-issued license. Licenses can be verified by visiting the DBPR Home Page, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure and holds the people who have met these requirements to high professional standards. Floridians are asked to report any suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1 (866) 532-1440.

March 15, 2016 /  
DHSMV Reminds Motorists Not to Drink and Drive This Spring Break

~Nothing kills a buzz like drunk driving~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is spreading the message this March that as people celebrate spring break in Florida, not to drive drunk.

With record population numbers and a record number of visitors, Florida’s beautiful beaches and tourist attractions lure thousands of spring breakers every year, but bad decisions about drugs and alcohol can change lives forever. DHSMV reminds everyone to be safe as they celebrate their spring break. Throughout the month of March, law enforcement agencies will be out enforcing the state’s drinking age laws and working to keep impaired drivers off the roads.

“Spring break is a welcome and exciting celebration for many students and families, but driving impaired can change that in an instant,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “With record numbers of motorists on Florida roads, we remind drivers to designate a sober driver or call a service to pick you up.”

Preliminary data shows that in March of 2015, there were more than 32,000 crashes statewide, at least 400 involved drivers who registered alcohol levels above the legal limit, resulting in 230 injuries and more than 35 fatalities. In Florida last year, more than ten percent of all teen crashes in March involved alcohol. In fact, drivers under 21 accounted for over 383 crashes involving alcohol in Florida in 2015, resulting in 234 injuries and 30 fatalities.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is enhancing its enforcement efforts this month, with an emphasis on impaired drivers,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “This spring break, enjoy your time in Florida, but celebrate responsibly and think twice before you drink and drive. Be responsible, don’t drink and drive.”

Since 2012, more DUI citations are issued in March than in any other month of the year. Driving impaired not only puts everyone on the roadways in danger, but drivers should also know that Florida’s tough DUI laws have stiff penalties including fines, license revocation, community service, ignition interlock devices and jail time.

Establishments that sell or serve alcohol are licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. The division is responsible for enforcing the state’s beverage law, including the legal drinking age. During the spring break months, DBPR partners with state and local law enforcement agencies to combat both underage drinking and the sale of alcoholic beverages to underage persons.

“The state’s legal drinking age is in place to better protect Florida residents and their guests,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “When underage persons make the decision to possess or drink alcohol, the fun of spring break can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. We are committed to ensuring that alcohol stays out of the hands of individuals under the legal drinking age and that Florida establishments remain in compliance with the Florida Beverage Law during spring break.”

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold said, “We are proud to partner with law enforcement to reduce drunk driving and keep our roads safe. With many visitors and residents enjoying our beautiful beaches during Spring Break, we would like to remind them to drive sober and don’t text and drive.”

“The number one goal of the Florida Sheriffs Association is to protect Florida’s future through programs focused on the safety of the youth of our state. As the President of the Florida Sheriffs Association, and on behalf of our Florida Sheriffs, I fully endorse and support the Florida Highway Patrol’s Spring Break initiative of Driving While Impaired enforcement.” Sheriff Sadie Darnell, Alachua County Sheriff

“During the spring, we see thousands of guests visit our state to enjoy themselves, but a DUI doesn’t just ruin the party – it can destroy lives,” said Winter Park Police Chief Brett Railey, President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “The FPCA fully supports this cooperative initiative to protect our residents and guests.”

“With 20 million residents and more than 1.8 million visitors in Florida on any given day, it is imperative that we all work together with law enforcement to spread the message that drinking and driving is no way to enjoy an incredible Sunshine State spring break experience,” said Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.

“Here in Florida, the health and safety of our guests is a top priority,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Founded in 1984 and a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS) is Florida’s leader in providing risk management and regulatory compliance training programs to the state’s hospitality industry. “We encourage businesses to cultivate safe environments and ensure that patrons enjoy their experiences while traveling around our great state. As Florida’s premier provider of responsible alcohol vendor training, we are dedicated to risk management and strongly recommend that businesses and patrons take precaution during the spring break season.”

March 3, 2016 /  
DBPR Warns Don’t Fall Victim to Unlicensed CPAs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is warning Floridians of the danger of hiring unlicensed certified public accountants (CPAs) to assist with their personal and business financial needs. In Florida, CPAs are required to have a professional license.

“With tax season upon us, Floridians and businesses across the state are hiring CPAs to prepare their financial documents,” DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. “While there are many other accountants and tax professionals who are able to assist with a variety of financial needs, only CPAs are licensed by the state to perform specific services. It’s important to be aware of the benefits of hiring licensed CPAs and to be informed on how to verify a CPA license with the state.”

In order to provide advanced financial, business and tax services to their clients, licensed CPAs must have successfully passed the Uniform CPA Examination and are required to meet strict professional and technical requirements mandated by Florida law. They are licensed to perform audits, reviews and compilations, as well as express opinions of financial statements that provide a level of assurance regarding the reliability or fairness of the financial information at hand.

Before a licensed CPA is hired, consumers should always verify the individual’s State of Florida professional license with DBPR. Licenses can be verified by visiting www.MyFloridaLicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure and holds the people who have met these requirements to high professional standards. Floridians are asked to report any suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1 (866) 532-1440.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

February 16, 2016 /  
Multi-Agency Sting Operation Catches Unlicensed Contractors in Jacksonville Area

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) partnered with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation to conduct a joint sting operation January 19 – 22 targeting unlicensed contractors in the Clay County area. Nine individuals provided estimates for construction and/or electrical services in which they do not hold the proper license to perform.

“Unlicensed activity is a common problem Florida consumers face when their home or business is affected by structural damage or requires construction services,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “Unlicensed individuals take advantage of homeowners by offering to make repairs for dubiously low prices, performing substandard work and often leaving without finishing the job. I am proud to partner with such strong agencies to combat unlicensed activity in the Jacksonville area and better protect Floridians from becoming victims of unlicensed activity.”

“The illegal practices of unlicensed contractors only seem like a minor crime to those who haven’t been victimized,” Clay County Undersheriff Craig Aldrich said. “This is a very serious matter for property owners who were swindled out of their hard-earned money, who received substandard or faulty work at their home or were left with incomplete projects that had to be completed by someone else. The lowest bid from an unlicensed contractor is lower for a reason. This is why the state requires licensing and we encourage our county’s residents to research potential contractors thoroughly before letting them begin work. We’ll commit resources whenever possible to locating and arresting contractors who operate outside the law in hopes of saving homeowners from this type of financial hassle and heartache.”

“Illegitimate contractors are a threat because they fail to provide safe and cost-effective repairs for homeowners, and these off-the-books operations often fail to carry workers’ compensation policies that protect workers from the detrimental costs of on-the-job injuries,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Operations like this one help to address the problem head-on and deter others who might think this is a way to quickly earn a buck. Our joint goals are to protect consumers and the integrity of the construction industry.”

The following individuals were arrested by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and issued Notices to Cease and Desist or citations by DBPR:

  • Ralph Eugene McDonald, age 54
  • Benjamin David Hallenbeck, age 32
  • George Wallace Thomas, age 58
  • Richard A. Martinson, age 50
  • James Frank Little, age 43
  • Majid Alaei Ghane, age 32
  • Christopher James Rubright Sr., age 43
  • Michael Leon Johns, age 44
  • Anthony Lamar Bloodworth, age 60

Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. Consumers can verify professional licenses with DBPR online at www.myfloridalicense.com, by calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play app store.

Unlicensed activity is against the law and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. DBPR forwards all unlicensed activity cases to the local State Attorney’s Office. Floridians are asked to report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com, calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-(866)-532-1440 or submitting a complaint directly from their mobile device using the free DBPR Mobile app.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com.

More information about the Clay County Sheriff’s Office is available at www.claysheriff.com.

Anyone with information about suspected insurance fraud is asked to call 1-800-378-0445. Citizens who provide tips can remain anonymous. The Department of Financial Services has awarded nearly $350,000 to nearly 60 citizens as part of its Anti-Fraud Reward Program. The program rewards individuals up to $25,000 for information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction in an insurance fraud scheme.

January 22, 2016 /