6 Unlicensed Contractors Charged After Hurricane: North Port Police

NORTH PORT, FL — In the wake of Hurricane Ian, North Port Police Department established an Unlicensed Contractor Taskforce to investigate illegal building activities.

Following an undercover sting operation dubbed “Con-Tractor,” six unlicensed contractors were arrested and face charges and arrest warrants have been issued for three others, the agency said in a news release.

The following people have been arrested and charged:

• Steven Michael Dobrowski, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Lee Edgar Freels, three counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Cooper Kyle Marshall, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Eduardo Montalvo Martinez, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Myer Morris Stabinsky, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Guillermo Zayas, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses, possession of marijuana, driving without a driver’s license

Arrest warrants have been issued for the following people:

• Henris Eliazar Ponce Lopez, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Dennis Daniel Cardona Zeron, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses
• Chase S. Williamson, two counts of unlicensed contracting related offenses

Since the taskforce formed, nearly three dozen investigations have been opened, North Port police said. The taskforce is working with investigators from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation on these cases.

During the undercover operation, which launched Nov. 1, detectives called advertised business numbers from roadside signs and social media advertisements, NPPD said. The unlicensed contractors showed up and elicited unlawful roofing repairs, which required a licensed contractor to complete.

“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,” Chief Todd Garrison said. “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.
• 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 that 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.

Homeowners who knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor face a $5,000 fine from the DBPR, police said. The department can stop construction and homeowners might still be liable to pay unpaid subcontractors

Anyone with information about those involved in the sting operation or who has fallen victim to illegal unlicensed contracting work or fraud should call 941-429-7300.