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North Port: Results of “Operation Con-Tractor”
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
Results of Operation Con-Tractor
NORTH PORT, FL – The North Port Police Department continues to protect our residents from unlicensed contractors in the wake of Hurricane Ian. An Unlicensed Contractor Taskforce has been established to investigate illegal building activities. Nearly three dozen investigations have been opened. These cases are being worked by the taskforce along with the help of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) investigators.
On Nov. 1, 2022, undercover operation Con-Tractor was started. Detectives called advertised business numbers from the plethora of roadside signs and advertisements made on various social media sites across the City of North Port. The unlicensed contractors showed up and elicited unlawful roofing repairs, which required a licensed contractor to complete. During the operation, six physical arrests were made. Three more suspects were developed, and active arrest warrants are outstanding for them.
All of the individuals are charged with felony unlicensed contracting related offenses and more:
Eduardo Montalvo Martinez
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(a), 489.127(1)(f)
Steven Michael Dobrowski
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(f), 489.127(1)(h)
Guillermo Zayas
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related charges, one count possession of marijuana, one count no driver’s license
489.127(1)(f), 489.127(1)(h), 893.13(6)(b), 322.03(1)
Lee Edgar Freels
Three counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(b), 489.127(1)(f), 489.127(1)(h)
Cooper Kyle Marshall
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(f), 489.127(1)(h)
Myer Morris Stabinsky
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(f), 489.127(1)(h)
Dennis Daniel Cardona Zeron
ACTIVE ARREST WARRANT
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(a), 489.127(1)(f)
Henris Eliazar Ponce Lopez
ACTIVE ARREST WARRANT
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.127(1)(a), 489.127(1)(f)
Chase S. Williamson
ACTIVE ARREST WARRANT
Two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
489.126(3), 489.127(1)(f)
“The City of North Port and NPPD are dedicated to making sure our residents, who are already suffering, do not fall victim to those looking to make a quick buck at our homeowners’ expense. Our efforts will continue. Do not come to North Port to prey on our community,” says North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison. “We are thankful for the efforts of our staff to hold those breaking the law accountable.”
The City urges consumers to follow these tips before hiring anyone to work on their property:
•Only hire licensed contractors and ask to see their license. Verify the license at www.myfloridalicense.com or call 850-487-1395. Licensed contractors are required by law to include their license number in all advertising. An occupational or business license is not sufficient in the construction trades.
•If the project is for repairing damage, check with your insurance company before you sign a contractor to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs.
•Obtain at least three written bids, check references, and get a written contract.
•Beware of contractors who claim to be the cheapest, solicit door-to-door, or give a post office box instead of a street address.
•Avoid any contractor who tries to convince you to personally obtain building permits or those building permits are not necessary for the project.
•Beware of alleged contractors who ask to be paid in cash or ask for large payments up front. Avoid paying cash or full payment in advance. Don’t pay more than 10 percent as a down payment. Once you’re happy with the quote, get job details, costs, and payment schedule in writing before signing the final contract.
•Avoid signing anything stating your insurance benefits will be paid directly to the contractor.
Perhaps the largest risk homeowners face is when they knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor. It is illegal. Aside from the inability to sue the contractor or receive recovery funds should there be a breach of contract, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation can stop construction and impose a $5,000 fine to the homeowner. Additionally, homeowners may be liable to pay unpaid subcontractors and any potential on-the-job injuries. Unlicensed contractors do not have insurance coverage. Any injury which occurs on your property will be a claim against your insurance.
Take the time to find a licensed and trustworthy contractor. Use a licensed contractor.
If you have information about those involved or feel you have fallen victim to illegal unlicensed contracting work or fraud, please call 941-429-7300.
If you have any building related questions, you may contact the North Port Building Division at 941-429-7044.
