Unlicensed Activity Criminal Prosecutions

Quintin Dewayne Stewart

Leon County

Quintin Dewayne Stewart – The subject contracted with a homeowner for a roof replacement without having the license to perform the work. After completing the work, there were leaks and the subject would not return to fix them. On 11/01/2017 he pled no contest to one count of engaging in contracting business without a certificate and was sentenced to 12 months’ probation, 100 hours community service, along with paying fines and costs. (DBPR Case 2016007274)

Casey Torres

Broward County
Casey Torres – In February 2016, the subject contracted to remodel a property, to include structural, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work, while not possessing the professional license to do so. On 10/19/2017, he pled no contest to one charge of unlicensed contracting and adjudication was withheld. He was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and ordered to pay restitution. (DBPR Cases 2016007803, 2016007871)

Bay County
Stephen Edward Dailey – In May of 2017, the subject contracted with a consumer for the installation of a metal roof on their home, detached garage and a storage building, among other unregulated work. After delays and sub-standard work, the subject was found to be unlicensed. On 10/12/2017, he pled no contest to one count of contracting without a license, and was found guilty. He was sentenced to 12 months’ probation, in addition to being ordered to pay fines and costs.

(DBPR Case 2017032501)

Broward County

Roy Steven Hyde, In December 2015, the subject contracted with a homeowner for a remodel of two bathrooms for a contracted price of $8,250. After the homeowner paid over $5,000 up front, the work began and the subject eventually abandoned the contract with the job less than halfway finished. On 09/28/2017, the subject pled no contest to a charge of engaging in a contracting business without a license, and had adjudication withheld. He was sentenced to pay costs and ordered to pay restitution. (DBPR Case 2016021875)

Marion County
David Lloyd George 

The subject contracted to perform a roof repair and garage door repair without the proper licenses. On July 24, 2017 he was found guilty of one count of Contracting without a License or Certificate and sentenced to 30 hours of community service, 1 day jail time (served), 12 months’ probation, in addition to fines and restitution.

(DBPR Case 2016055233)

Marion County
Damerson Espinoza The subject contracted with a consumer for a total roof replacement when he did not have the license to do this kind of work. The subject accepted a check for payment, and then never returned to do the job. He plead no contest to contracting without certification on July 10, 2017 and had adjudication withheld. He was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and ordered to pay restitution (DBPR Case 2016056243)

Duval County
Cary Scott Grimm – The subject contracted with multiple homeowners for remodeling services that would require a State contractor’s license. In several instances, the subject took the homeowner’s money and did not perform any services. On June 6, 2017 he was adjudicated guilty on five charges of grand theft. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison and 10 years’ probation.

(DBPR Cases 2016037307, 2016037548, 2016037941, 2016048333, 2016049180, 2016050441, and 2017001401)

Duval County
Kirk Walter Caupain – The subject contracted to perform a pool repair without having a license to do so. The repairs made were insufficient and additional work was needed after he finished the job. He had adjudication withheld on June 20, 2017 on a charge of False Representation as a Licensed Contractor and was ordered to pay restitution.

(DBPR Case 2016032272)

Duval County
Kevin Matthew Key – The subject contracted to construct a bulkhead and retaining wall for two different homeowners without have a license to perform that kind of work. In each case, the work began, but slowed in pace and the projects were ultimately abandoned. On June 6, 2017 he was adjudicated guilty of two counts of False Advertising as a Licensed Contractor.

(DBPR Cases 2016010160 and 2016010299)

Volusia County
William Derrick Butler – The subject contracted with a homeowner’s association to perform repairs including roofing, electrical and structural work that he did not have a license to perform. He was charged with a single count of Unlicensed Contracting. He pled no contest and was adjudicated guilty on 06/19/2017. He was sentenced to 6 months’ probation.

(DBPR Cases 2015042636 and 2015047403)

Orange County
Michael Auxier -In two separate cases, the subject contracted with a homeowner for various repairs, including electrical, roofing and other work that he did not have a license to perform. He received money for the work, completing some, and then abandoning the job. In one case he was convicted of Contracting without a License on June 28,2017, and sentenced to serve 60 days in the Orange County Jail with credit for time served. In a separate case, he pled no contest and was adjudicated guilty on charges of Grand Theft from a Person 65 years of Age or Older and Unlawful Contracting. He was sentenced to 180 days in the Orange County Jail with credit for time served, 10 years’ probation, restitution, fines and costs.

(DBPR Cases 2016044046, 2017016775)

Sumter County
Christopher Michael Romanenko The subject contracted with multiple homeowners for air conditioning repairs and installations using a license that was not his. He pled no contest to two counts of contracting without a license, was adjudicated guilty on May 30, 2017 and sentenced to 12 months’ probation and restitution.

(DBPR Cases 2016016262, 2016022632, 2016024278 2016029430, 2016031867, 2016031896)

Joseph Albert Gatto – Subject entered into a contract to remodel a house for over $30,000, with the work to include structural, plumbing and electrical, without holding the proper licensure. He was adjudicated guilty on 01/09/2017 of three counts of unlicensed contracting and one count of commencing construction without a valid building permit, and sentenced to pay fines and costs and to time served. (DBPR Cases 2016031659/2016031682)

Charlie H. Daniels: Subject contracted to replace a roof without holding a license to perform this kind of work. After receiving a down payment of $2100, the work never began. On 01/24/2017 he pled no contest to a charge of felony contracting without a license and to another charge of grand theft. He was sentenced to restitution, costs, fines, and three years’ probation (DBPR Case 2015030608)

John Robert Smith – After a previous conviction for unlicensed contracting, the subject was found to still be operating as a contractor without possessing a license. On 01/23/2017 he was adjudicated guilty of one count of felony contracting without a license and one count of falsely hold oneself out as a contractor. He was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by two years’ probation. (DBPR Case 2016028349)

John Christopher Warman

Subject was found advertising to perform plumbing services without holding the proper State licensure for the type of work he was offering. The subject was charged with engaging in a contracting business without certification, and was sentenced on December 22, 2016 to fines and costs after adjudication was withheld. (DBPR Case 2015-034254)

Benjamin Matthew Adams

Subject was found advertising to perform electrical services without holding the proper State licensure for the type of work he was offering. The subject was found guilty on December 22, 2016 of contracting without a license as an unregistered electric contractor. He was fined and ordered to pay costs. ( DBPR Case 2016030523)

Chad Brandon Harmon

The subject contracted to repair a pool leak and repaint a pool deck and walkway for $3,000 without being licensed. The subject was alleged to have repaired the leak, but the leak resumed in less than one week. In response, the subject then abandoned the contract. At trial on December 5, 2016 the subject had adjudication withheld and was sentenced to time served, court costs, restitution and 12 months’ probation.

(DBPR Case 2016027974)

Brian Michael Buehler

During an enforcement operation conducted by the Gainesville DBPR office, subject responded to a phone call from an undercover investigator ascertaining what work he could do in response to his advertisement. He agreed to meet with undercover investigators at the undercover jobsite and discussed the work to be completed and agreed to do numerous jobs requiring State licensure. On December 1, 2016 he pled ‘No Contest’ and adjudication was withheld. He was sentenced to repay court costs and costs associated with the investigation. (DBPR Case 2016025520)

David Michael Funkey dba Funkey Contracting and Renovations Inc

Duval County

David Michael Funkey dba Funkey Contracting and Renovations Inc – Subject was hired to perform a remodel of a master bathroom and shower at a residence for a total price of $5,150 without the proper state licensure. Subject was paid in full, but abandoned the job, leaving work incomplete. Subject pled ‘No Contest’ and was adjudicated guilty on November 16, 2016 on a misdemeanor count of False Representation as a Licensed Contractor, and sentenced to time served of 57 days. (DBPR Case 2016-005481)

Eugenio Cabrera

Subject was hired to perform renovations that included plumbing and electrical work. Subject was paid a total of $130,000, performed most of the work, and then subsequently abandoned the job leaving multiple projects unfinished. Subject was adjudicated guilty on November 10, 2016 for Contracting/Engage in without a License and sentenced to six months’ probation. (DBPR Case 2016-029617)

Daryl Stephens

Washington County
Subject contracted to remodel a home for over $17,000 for work to include adding a Florida room, plumbing and window installation. Subject was given a deposit and then never performed the work. On October 26, 2016 subject pled ‘No Contest’ to the charge of Falsely Identifying Self as a Contractor and had adjudication withheld. Subject was ordered to pay restitution and placed on 11 months’ probation. (DBPR Case 2014-041750)

Hiran Mazaira

Lee and Palm Beach Counties
The subject contracted to repair a pool leak and repaint a pool deck and walkway for $3,000 without being licensed. The subject was alleged to have repaired the leak, but the leak resumed in less than one week. In response, the subject then abandoned the contract. At trial on December 5, 2016 the subject had adjudication withheld and was sentenced to time served, court costs, restitution and 12 months’ probation.

(DBPR Case 2016027974)

Cary Grimm

Police have arrested 45-year-old Cary Grimm on charges of grand theft in relation to multiple complaints from consumers about unlicensed contracting.

Johnny Lewis Harrison

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Johnny Lewis Harrison

Douglas Dan Wilson

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Douglas Dan Wilson

Shawn Gandy

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Shawn Gandy

Kenneth Ellis Lohmann

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Kenneth Ellis Lohmann

Donald Earl Beck

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Donald Earl Beck

Shawn Anthony Ervin

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Shawn Anthony Ervin 

Trang Thanh Tran

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Trang Thanh Tran

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Tommy Minhtri Nguyen

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: James S. Civitello, Jr.

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Joseph Alma

Manatee County

Eleven individuals were arrested following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting enforcement operation (Sting) in Manatee County.  The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without securing proper licensing and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.  The agencies involved in the operation included: The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office, and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

Those who were arrested included: Moises Garcia

Alachua County

Steve Jennings, contracted to replace French door jamb, replace plumbing for sink, install new outlet for dishwasher, removal of shingles, installation of two off ridge vents, shingle repair, replacement of shower and surround along with other non-regulated services for $21,650. Subject was paid between $12,370 – $22,515.  – Adjudicated guilty on 09/29/2016, 6 months’ probation, $475 fees/fines. (DBPR Case 2015-049937)

Thomas Poirier

Manatee County

Subject entered into a contract and received a payment of $26,084.00 for erecting an aluminum pool cage without the proper licensure. Subject was adjudicated guilty in Manatee County on September 6, 2016 for acting in the capacity of a licensed contractor and fined $2,000. (DBPR Case 2016-037819)

Volusia County

Emery Wrinkle – Subject contracted to install a shower at a residence without the proper licensure. Subject began work without the approval of the homeowner, who lived out of state and was paid without an inspection of the work by homeowner. Subject was adjudicated guilty in Volusia County on September 14, 2016 of engaging in contracting without the proper certification and ordered to pay fines and restitution to the victim. (DBPR Case 2015-039946)

Alachua County
Joanna Chavez, offered to perform electrical and construction services during a sting operation.  7/21/16 pled No Contest – Adjudicated guilty – Minimal fines/fees both counts. (DBPR Cases 2016-025513 and 2016-025517)

Alachua County
Arthur Bolinger Jr., offered to perform electrical and construction services during a sting operation. 7/21/16 pled No Contest – Adjudicated guilty – Minimal fines/fees both counts. (DBPR Cases 2016-025604 and 2016-025608)

Alachua County

Sasha Schiller, offered to perform electrical and construction services during a sting operation. 8/4/16 pled No Contest – withheld adjudication – minimal fines/fees both counts. (DBPR Cases 2016-025509 and 2016-025515)

Alachua County

Ted Bachman, offered to perform electrical and construction services during a sting operation. 7/21/16 pled No Contest – Adjudicated guilty – minimal fines/fees both counts (DBPR Cases 2016-025668 and 2016-025674)

Gulf County
Mark Gay – Subject Mark Gay contracted and performed HVAC work for a homeowner in Port St. Joe. On June 1, 2016, a Judge adjudicated the defendant guilty of contracting without a license.

Lee County
Zlatan Krekic DBA Croat Pavers of SW FL, Inc. contracted with a homeowner to construct a pool in Cape Coral for $47,500. Subject does not hold a licensed with the department. Subject Krekic was adjudicated guilty in April 2016.

Clay County
George Thomas – During an enforcement operation with DBPR and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office the subject provided an estimate to perform numerous services that require State licensure. Subject was adjudicated guilty on March 15, 2016 on two counts of False Representation as a Licensed Contractor and was sentenced to fines, costs and time served. (DBPR Cases 2016-003422 and 2016-003487)

Manatee County
Keith Pick – Subject executed a written contract to replace 13 windows and a door for $6499.00 Subject contracted and performed these services without the proper licensure. Subject was adjudicated guilty in Manatee County on February 19, 2016 for acting in the capacity of a licensed contractor and fined $2,000. (DBPR Case 2016-006740)

Leon County

Michael Jenkins: Subject Michael Jenkins d/b/a Michael Jenkins Maintenance & Remodeling LLC, was found in violation of contracting without a license. Michael Jenkins provided invoices for HVAC work in November 2015 for the amount of $2,500. Michael Jenkins has prior cases with the department for contracting without a license. The case against Michael Jenkins was forwarded by DBPR to the State Attorney’s Office and in February 2016 Michael Jenkins was found guilty of contracting without a license.

Washington County

Justin Blake Mitchell – In February 2016 Subject Mitchell contracted to rehab a bathroom, run new wiring, and rebuild a deck for $16,000. Subject Mitchell was paid over $15,000 and never completed the job. The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and adjudication was withheld.

Jeffrey Francis Ennis

July 2015 – Lee County

Jeffrey Francis Ennis – Subject Ennis was hired for a complete home remodel including electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Subject Ennis was paid a total of $28,000.00.  Subject Ennis continued to come back for more money, even after the homeowner expressed being unsatisfied with the quality of work. The State Attorney’s Office received the case which resulted in adjudication being withheld.

William Charles Dillon

June 2015  – Pinellas County

William Charles Dillon – Subject Dillon entered into a contract for a walk-in cooler/freezer installation but delivered a 30-year-old unit. Subject Dillion refused to refund the homeowner. The State Attorney’s Office sentenced subject to 15 days in jail and probation following an adjudication of guilty.

Joseph England

Tampa – Lake County

Joseph England – Subject Joseph England contracted for plumbing services in the amount $15,400. Subject England was paid $6,500 and did not complete the job. This case was investigated and forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for further review subject England was found adjudicated guilty.

(DBPR Case 2016027974)

November 2015 – Duval County

Richard Howard Owens – Subject Owens contracted with homeowner on recommendation from the community association to replace windows in condo unit. Homeowner eventually had to make modifications to the home following the window installation, which was left incomplete. Subject returned to the condo on three occasions, but the issues of water coming into the unit were never resolved. State Attorney’s Office pursued the case and adjudication was withheld in March 2016.

Bradford A Morse

May 2015 – Collier County

Bradford A Morse – Subject Morse was contracted for kitchen and bathroom renovations including plumbing and electrical work. Homeowner paid out $179.357.96. Subject used another license holder to pull the permits. Job was never completed and Subject abandoned the project. Homeowner states $50,000.00 of damage was caused. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued on February 12, 2016 for contracting without a license.

Jorge Fonseca

May 2015 – Broward

Jorge Fonseca – Subject Fonseca was hired for a residential roof replacement for the amount of $14,000. A permit was obtained by a licensed contractor. The City of Hialeah Code Compliance issued the homeowner a citation for an unsafe roof structure. This case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review and adjudication was withheld.

Gus Bodie

December 2015 – Miami Dade

Gus Bodie – Subject Gus Bodie d/b/a Gus Lighting & Electrical Inc. was hired to perform electrical work for a 72 year old homeowner. Subject Bodie was paid roughly $800.00. After review by the State Attorney’s Office, adjudication was withheld.

Darrell Laetelle Williams

November 2015-Duval County

Darrell Laetelle Williams – Subject Williams cold called an elderly couple about inspecting their home for energy consumption. Subject Williams contracted for an A/C unit work for a total of $9,500.00.  DBPR issued a Notice to Cease and Desist. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office which resulted in a guilty verdict.

Shwan Kelly Gomillion

November 2015 – Alachua County

Shawn Kelly Gomillion – Subject Gomillion d/b/a Just Do It Construction, LLC. provided an estimate to an undercover investigator in November 2015. The work included replacing light fixtures, adding outlets, installation of doors and replacing windows. Subject Gomillion provided an estimate for $9,000 and requested a deposit of $5,800. The Eighth Judicial Circuit received the case and Subject Gomillion pled guilty to contracting without a license.

(DBPR Case 2016027974)

Raymond Carney

November 2015 – Pasco County

Raymond Carney – Subject Carney d/b/a Raymond Carney Handyman contracted to demolish two walls and instal 2 a temporary wall in its place as well as install plumbing and electrical as part of a kitchen remodeling. Subject Carney received roughly $2,700 for the work. This case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office and the Subject Carney was adjudicated guilty.

Gabriel Talpa

Derrick Ballard

November 2015  – Pinellas

Derrick Ballard – Subject contracted for a re-roof and was paid roughly $4,600.00. Subject Ballard never performed any roofing work. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office and subject Ballard was adjudicated guilty.

Jose A Melendez

April 2015 – Osceola County

Jose A Melendez – Subject Melendez contracted to build a deck addition. Subject Melendez was paid approximately $9,650.00 but never finished the job. The department issued a Notice to Cease & Desist. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office which resulted in a guilty verdict with restitution paid to the homeowner.

Gerald Hugh Howard

April 2015 – Duval County

Gerald Hugh Howard – Subject Howard was paid $3,500.00 to re-roof a residence. Subject is unlicensed and has a history of unlicensed activity complaints with DBPR. After receiving payment, no work was started and no materials were purchased. Subject arranged for a third party to secure the permit. State Attorney’s Office case resulted in an adjudication of guilty with a one-month jail sentence.

Michael Chiappardi

April 2015 – Santa Rosa

Michael Chiappardi DBA Mike’s Affordable Renovation & Maintenance contracted with a homeowner in Milton, FL to provide perform construction services that included roofing, electrical and plumbing for close to $5,000. After a jury trial on May 25th, Subject Chiappardi was found guilty of contracting without a license and guilty of holding oneself out as an electrical contractor without a license.

April 2015 – Lee County

Kevin Cassidy Jr. – Subject Cassidy d/b/a Triton Air and Heat Inc. contracted to install an HVAC system for the amount of $4,200. Subject Cassidy caused significant damage to the property and abandoned the contract. The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office in which Subject Cassidy was adjudicated guilty.

Leon Curtis Stewart

February 2015 – Broward County

Leon Curtis Stewart – Subject Stewart was paid $3,300.00 to re-roof a home. Subject had another company pull the permits. The roof leaked after the job was finished, so Subject came back to fix the leak, but it continued leaking. State Attorney’s Office received the case and adjudication was withheld.

Alonzo Hall

January 2015 – Duval County

Alonzo Hall – Subject contracted with a Jacksonville homeowner to perform roof repairs for roughly $1,200. The State Attorney’s office charged Subject Hall with False Representation As a Licensed Contractor and adjudication was withheld. Subject Hall was sentenced to 6 months of probation and restitution was ordered in the amount of $1,300.

William R. Walton DBA Walton Home Repair

Tampa – Manatee County

William R. Walton DBA Walton Home Repair, was adjudicated guilty of contracting without a license on 8/25/2015. William Walton has had numerous prior cases with the department. Subject Walton presented himself as a licensed contractor in order to contract for kitchen and living room remodels which included a wall modification and electrical services. The homeowner paid Subject Walton over $35,000 for the remodel. Subject completed some work but then abandoned the job. Subject Walton was not licensed as a contractor to perform the work.

(DBPR Case 2016027974)

Thomas Wells Fargo

November 2014 – Sarasota

Thomas Wells Fargo – Subject contracted for ceiling fan installation and window replacement and was paid over $3,000 and performed shoddy work. Subject was adjudicated guilty.

Casey Faughn

October 2014 – Orange County

Subject Casey Faughn was hired to re-roof a house for $29,000 and once project was completed the roof continued to leak. Subject Faughn requested more money to fix the leaking roof. The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and adjudication was withheld. 2015–0181.96

Rokella Fanella Jeffrey

September 2014 – Orange County

Rokella Fanella Jeffrey – Subject Jeffrey was paid $34,000.00 for a home renovation involving demolition, electrical and plumbing work. Subject is not licensed. DBPR issued a Cease & Desist notice. The department’s case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office and adjudication was withheld.

Joseph Randolph Cataldi

August 2014 – Hernando County

Joseph Rudolph Cataldi – Subject Cataldi dba Jolu Construction contracted to repair and replace damages to a residence due to water intrusion. Subject Cataldi performed work of an electrician and acted as a general contractor without being licensed. Subject Cataldi added lighting and exhaust fans to the home. The contract amount was for over $47,000.00. Subject Cataldi was arrested on April 26, 2016 for contracting without a license.

Goran Popovic

August 2014 – Duval County

Goran Popovic – Subject Popovic contracted to re-roof a property and was paid nearly $7,000.00 to do the job. Work was never started on the project, and the money has never been returned to the homeowner. DBPR issued a Notice to Cease and Desist.  Subject Popovic was arrested on May 8, 2015 for unlicensed contracting.

Robert Miano

July 2014 – Pinellas County

Robert Miano – Subject Miano dba Degeorge Ceiling & Custom Cabinetry entered into a contract to renovate a homeowner’s kitchen and bathrooms for $58,500.00. Subject Miano was arrested on September 21, 2015 for contracting for plumbing work and as a general contractor without a license.

Alphonso Hopkins d/b/a Hop The Handyman

June 2014 – Gadsden County

Alphonso Hopkins d/b/a Hop The Handyman contracted with a Gadsden county homeowner to perform construction services, which included electrical, AC, plumbing and structural work for $15,900 in June 2014. According the homeowner, Subject Alphonso was paid in full for the work and then abandoned the job. DBPR issued a Final Order and Alphonso Hopkins was adjudicated guilty for contracting without a license on April 6, 2016.

May 2014 – Pinellas County

Brendon Miller Huggins – Subject Huggins d/b/a Equity Field Services South was hired to remodel a home for $45,000.00 of which approximately $20,239.66 was paid. The work performed included interior remodeling which included plumbing and electrical work. Homeowner alleges that the work that was done was not up to standards and a permit was never obtained. Subject Huggins was arrested on March 3, 2016 for two counts of contracting without a license.

Steven Allen Baxley

February 2014 – Duval County

Steven Allen Baxley – Subject Baxley entered into a contract to replace and install air conditioning units and duct work for 3 apartment units for a total of $12,000.00. Subject Baxley has a prior history of engaging in unlicensed activity with department.  The case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office which resulted in adjudication being withheld.

Charlie Horne Daniels

February 2014 – Marion County

Charlie Horne Daniels – Subject Daniels contracted for a roof replacement and was paid a $2,100.00 deposit. Work never began and subject disconnected his phone. The State Attorney’s Office prosecution resulted in a guilty verdict with jail time and probation.

December 2013 – Miami-Dade

Amado Horta – Subject Amado Horta contracted in December 2013 to remodel a condo in Miami Beach for the amount of $40,000. The contracted work included plumbing, electrical and A/C work. Subject was paid a deposit of $20,000. The State Attorney’s Office charged Subject Horta with contracting without a license and 2nd Degree Grand Theft. Subject Horta was also sentenced to 78 months of probation.

Paul Timothy Hopper

October 2013 – St. John’s County

Paul Timothy Hopper – Subject Hopper contracted to provide electrical work for homeowner and was paid $10,940.00 for the job. Subject was operating on a revoked DBPR license. Subject Hopper has prior unlicensed activity cases with the department.  The department’s case was forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office, which resulted in adjudication being withheld and probation of 12 months.

Thomas Ducharme d/b/a Coastal Services by Tommy

September 2013 – Panama City Beach

Unlicensed Contractor Thomas Ducharme d/b/a Coastal Services by Tommy, contracted in September 2013 with homeowners for a bath renovation in amount of $18,455.53. Subject Ducharme was paid a total of $12,167.00. The scope of work included plumbing, electrical, and structural work. Subject Ducarme was not licensed as a contractor. Restitution was ordered through the State Attorney’s Office in the amount of $7,086. Subject Ducharme has paid $7,086 back to the homeowners.

August 2013 – Orange County

John M Crescente – Subject Crescente was hired for a complete home remodel. Subject Crescente was paid $17,388.51 at the beginning of the job. The scope of work included plumbing. The work performed was of poor quality and resulted in damage to the property.   The case resulted in a guilty verdict with 3 years of probation.

John Sohol

February 2013 – Sarasota County

James Sohol – Subject Sohol contracted to install an A/C unit and performed the work without pulling permits and despite having no license. Subject Sohol was arrested in November 2013 on eleven counts of contracting without a license on a $270,000.00 bond.