CLEARWATER, Fla. — Greater than three dozen unlicensed contractors have been arrested and charged after a two-day undercover operation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Workplace, Clearwater Police Division, and different companies.
In response to Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the arrests had been made to guard individuals from being ripped off and from the risks of shoddy, unlicensed work.
“Nearly all of ‘em — they’re not even from right here,” he mentioned. “They’re coming in from exterior the realm to use our residents and our companies.”
It’s not even the primary time he’s locked up unlicensed contractors for the reason that storms. His staff arrested dozens extra in Madeira Seaside two weeks in the past.
“As they might say, sadly, it’s capturing fish in a barrel. There’s a lot of it on the market, it’s not onerous,” the sheriff mentioned.
In response to Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy, one of many unlicensed staff arrested in the latest bust was getting ready to do a $200,000 job.
Gualtieri mentioned one other was promoting demolition work however really doing electrical work too.
The sheriff mentioned the variety of arrests within the Clearwater bust will doubtless exceed 40. He mentioned six of the 38 arrested up to now are undocumented immigrants, and one of many six was within the strategy of being deported on the time of his arrest.
You’ll be able to confirm a license by visiting www.pinellas.gov/contractor. It’s also possible to name the county’s Shopper Safety division at 727-464-6200.
