Florida Construction News staff writer
More than 100 people have been arrested in Pinellas County for looting and unlicensed contracting in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, police said at a news conference.
Among those arrested is a roofing company owner in Polk County who is charged with operating without a license and failing to provide workers’ compensation insurance. Investigators discovered that the man used another roofer’s license to secure a building permit and employed unlicensed workers after a homeowner found his business on Facebook and paid a $5,000 deposit, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said at the press conference. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Fraud Strike Team is investigating and since the hurricanes, 130 fraud detectives have been deployed statewide to identify fraud and unlicensed activities in impacted areas.
In addition, deputies conducted looting patrols on the barrier islands from Oct. 2 to Oct. 23, leading to 45 arrests on 68 charges, including armed robbery, burglary, and grand theft.
Detectives from the Economic Crimes Unit also executed a three-day operation, “Flood of Fraud,” from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24 on Madeira Beach, resulting in 64 arrests and 102 charges.
“As the Pinellas beaches recover, we will continue to arrest those preying on the vulnerable victims of these back-to-back storms,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “Our commitment to safeguarding our community extends beyond the immediate impacts of the hurricanes; we are dedicated to protecting our residents and businesses eager to rebuild.”
State officials continue to warn residents to remain vigilant against looters and unlicensed repair workers as recovery efforts continue.
