118 Unlicensed Contractors Arrested In Undercover Sting Operation

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Following the completion of a nine-month-long construction fraud sting, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested 118 unlicensed contractors accused of performing more than $540,000 worth of work illegally.

Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the results of the Operation House Hunters Tuesday, noting that the sting was prompted by an increase in complaints of construction fraud.

Operation House Hunters ran from March 11 to Dec. 16 at five houses located throughout Hillsborough County where undercover detectives posing as homeowners set up 191 appointments for home repair work. They met with unlicensed contractors selling their services on social media and websites with classified advertisements.

Among those arrested was Steven Velletri, 54. On March 18, detectives said they met with Velletri, 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, said Chronister.

Velletri was also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

“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,” he said. “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 arranged to meet Troy Massey, 47, who was advertising his services on Craigslist. Massey told detectives he could install recessed lighting and paint the inside of their home for $1,100. Detectives learned that Massey’s state-certified contractor's license was revoked in 2011 after he was disciplined two years before for abandoning a project in Hillsborough County and failing to take care of the requirements imposed on him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,” said 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.”

Massey was also charged with violation of parole on two counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure.

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, for under $20,000. A second offense for unlicensed contracting is a felony offense.

Undercover detectives said 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

“The housing market is booming in Tampa Bay right now, but that also means fraudsters are looking to exploit homeowners,” said Chronister. “They want to cash in while the getting is good. They want your hard-earned money, and they don’t care if you are left with poor-quality work that could put you and your loved ones at risk.”

He advised homeowners to take steps to protect themselves by verifying their contractor's license online and conducting a background check through the Better Business Bureau.

“We will continue to actively pursue and arrest unlicensed contractors who seek to take advantage of and victimize our residents,” said Chronister.

The full list of those arrested can be found below.