On Tuesday, February 4, Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the conclusion of a 9-month-long investigation into unlicensed contractors operating in Hillsborough County. The operation was in response to a recent increase in reports of construction fraud related criminal activity.
Operation House Hunters spanned from March 11, 2019 to December 16, 2019. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Construction Fraud Unit conducted sting operations at five houses throughout the county. Undercover detectives posed as homeowners and were able to set up 191 appointments for home repair work. They met with unlicensed contractors selling their services on social media and websites for classified advertisements.
In total, the 118 unlicensed contractors arrested were attempting to perform work amounting to more than $540,000.
On March 18, detectives met with Steven Velletri, 54, who offered to stucco and paint the exterior of their home for $4,200. Velletri proved to be not only an unlicensed contractor, but also a registered sex offender convicted of Third Degree Rape.
“This is a prime example of why it is so important to know the background of the people you hire, and always choose reputable and licensed companies,” said Sheriff Chronister. “Take the time to ask for credentials, licenses and proof of insurance. Talk with other customers and references, and never be afraid to ask questions before letting someone into your home.”
On June 17, undercover detectives encountered Troy Massey, 47, advertising his services on Craigslist. Massey told detectives for $1,100 he could install recessed lighting and paint the inside of their home. Detectives learned that Massey’s state certified contractors license was revoked in 2011 after he was disciplined two years prior for abandoning a project in Hillsborough County and failing to take care of the requirements imposed on him during the disciplinary hearing.
“In this case, a licensed electrician would be familiar with current electrical codes and requirements. They follow the latest practices to avoid the risk of fires, high voltage shocks and other hazards that can occur with substandard electrical work,” explained Sheriff Chronister. “I can’t stress enough the huge risk you take as a homeowner if you let people who don’t know what they are doing perform work in your home.”
On July 30, Charles Sanders, 46, was arrested by undercover detectives for the second time for operating as an unlicensed contractor. Sanders agreed to paint the exterior of their home for $4,000. Just three months prior in April, Sanders met with undercover detectives and claimed he could remodel two bathrooms, a kitchen, install tile floors and paint their entire home, inside and out, all for under $20,000. A second offense for unlicensed contracting is a felony offense.
Undercover detectives determined that Sanders was one of eight repeat offenders during Operation House Hunters. Additional repeat offenders included:
- Norman Bosley
- Gregorio Cancel
- Richard Collier
- Kevin Mirich
- Paulo Santos
- Donald Tucker
- Jason Young
Sheriff Chronister advised homeowners to take steps to protect themselves by verifying their contractor's license online at www.myfloridalicense.com and conducting a background check through the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
“We will continue to actively pursue and arrest unlicensed contractors who seek to take advantage of and victimize our residents,” said Sheriff Chronister.
Undercover video from the arrests of Velletri, Massey and Sanders can be viewed on the HCSO Sheriff YouTube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmSWYnzRBhU&feature=youtu.be
