SUNCOAST CONTRACTOR ACCUSED OF SWINDLING ELDERLY VICTIMS AFTER HURRICANE MILTON

 

 

SUNCOAST CONTRACTOR ACCUSED OF SWINDLING ELDERLY VICTIMS AFTER HURRICANE MILTON

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
 
 
 
BPD

 

A contractor who solicited elderly victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton was arrested Tuesday on 13 felony charges.
 
In July 2025, Bradenton Police Detective Michael Carpenter began to investigate complaints made by multiple residents of Seabreeze Mobile Home Park. Fourteen victims, who range in age from 62 to 95, reported hiring Brian Michaud, operating as RedFin Construction, to repair damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Bank statements, contracts, and copies of checks indicated the victims made down payments totaling $222,000 for aluminum repairs to their carports, lanais, roofs, and sheds. However, Michaud failed to complete any of the work.

 
The investigation also revealed that Michaud is not a licensed contractor in Florida and used another company’s license.
 
Financial subpoenas for October 2024 through April 2025 indicated Michaud made multiple transactions and transfers between several business and personal accounts. During this time, the subpoenas indicated Michaud spent upwards of $53,000 at casinos and used these accounts for daily living and recreational expenses. While some transactions indicated Michaud made construction-related purchases, he didn’t use those materials to complete any of the victims’ projects.

 
As a result of the investigation, Michaud faces the following charges:
– Ten counts of presenting someone else’s contractor’s license during a declared state of emergency, which are third-degree felonies.
– One count of scheming to defraud ($50,000 or more), a first-degree felony.
– One count of misappropriation of construction funds ($100,000 or more), a first-degree felony.
– One count of aggravated white-collar crime against an elderly victim ($50,000 or more), a first-degree felony.

 
Michaud is held without bond at the Manatee County jail. The investigation continues. If you have a similar complaint against Michaud or RedFin Construction, contact Detective Carpenter at michael.carpenter@bradentonpd.com.