Operation Retrofit Nets 16 Unlicensed Contractors

SUN CITY CENTER, FL -- Sixteen unlicensed contractors accused of preying on senior citizens have been nabbed by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Construction Fraud Unit.

From Oct. 10-19, Operation Retrofit targeted unlicensed contractors that have been scamming elderly residents in Sun City Center.

Undercover detectives used a home on loan to the sheriff's office in Sun City Center to catch unlicensed contractors who had been ripping off residents of the senior community. During the nine-day sting, detectives responded to advertisements from known or suspected unlicensed contractors and posed as the homeowner to seek estimates on a variety of projects. Time after time, unlicensed contractors broke the law and provided quotes without proper licensing, according to the sheriff's office.

"One of these suspects traveled to our area specifically to target the elderly of Hillsborough County," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "It's despicable and we won't tolerate it. Shoddy work puts people's safety at risk. The consequences of poor construction or electrical work could be deadly."

Operation Retrofit netted 16 arrests, with charges pending for six additional people. Bogus estimates totaling $117,312.25 were provided to undercover detectives.

"Everyone likes to save money, but you can't be fooled by these scam artists. The savings aren't worth the risk. Protect yourself, your family and your home by always hiring a licensed contractor," Chronister said.

It's important to visit the following two websites to research licensed contractors in Florida prior to hiring them:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Hillsborough County Contractor Licensing

Among those arrested was James Edwards Hanko, 53, after he offered to remodel a bathroom, paint and tile the residence in exchange for approximately $2,200. During the course of the investigation, Hanko admitted he'd been a fugitive for the past seven years with active warrants out of Wisconsin for a parole violation, larceny theft from a business, fourth-degree sexual assault and lewd and lascivious behavior.

Reynaldo Garcia, 63, offered to paint the home for approximately $1,600. He was arrested for unlicensed
contracting at which time he was found to be in possession of marijuana. He is a repeat offender and facing unlicensed contracting charges in a 2017 open case.

Darin Butts, 57, was arrested after offering to replace a water heater and move electrical outlets for $270. Detectives say he is also a registered sex offender who travels throughout Sun City Center advertising as a handyman on his vehicle.

Donald Edward Tucker, 55, is also a repeat offender who has been previously investigated by the sheriff's Construction Fraud Unit. His license is listed as null and void by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation with an expiration date of Aug. 31, 2010.

During Operation Retrofit, Tucker reportedly contracted to remodel a bathroom, move electrical
switches, tile the home and paint the interior in exchange for $11,050. He was arrested and charged with unlicensed contracting, which is a felony as a second offense.

The Hillsborough County Construction Fraud Unit has conducted six stings since its inception in 2013. The unit has investigated more than $2.5 million in bogus estimates from unlicensed contractors.

As part of the sheriff's office commitment to education and awareness on this topic, Chronister and the Construction Fraud Unit hold yearly seminars educating residents about the dangers of working with an unlicensed contractor and how to recognize the warning signs.

The next seminar is scheduled for this spring. In the meantime, the unit warns residents to beware of:

* Door-to-door sales or Internet offers for home improvement which seem to
offer unrealistic savings
* Contractors who ask for large amounts of money up front, especially cash
* Contractors who ask the homeowner to obtain their own permits
* Contractors who claim work can be done without permits
* Contractors who will not show you their contractor's license and insurance
documents.

Images via Hillsborough Sheriff

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