Bradenton, Fla. (FOX26) — Five unlicensed contractors were arrested by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office following an operation targeting illegal home repair services in the area. The operation, in cooperation with the Manatee County Code Enforcement and Department of Business and Professional Regulation, aimed to catch individuals offering services without the proper licenses.
According to Sgt. Jason Farrier, unlicensed contractors often approach homeowners after storms, spotting visible damage like roofing or plumbing issues from the outside, and attempt to make contact with the homeowners to offer repairs. “The unlicensed guys are going through the neighborhood, trying to make contact with people,” said Farrier.
The suspects arrested were fully aware they were working without the necessary certification. First-time offenders were not arrested but were issued fines or cease-and-desist letters along with notices to appear. Sgt. Farrier emphasized that such contractor fraud cases often increase after major storms, like Debby, Helene, and Milton.
The arrested individuals include:
46-year-old Rafael Enrique Rivas Ojeda, arrested for engaging in contract work without a plumbing certification.
44-year-old Maor Kfir, arrested for failing to secure workers’ comp insurance and working without a plumbing certification.
55-year-old Chad Michael Adair, arrested for engaging in electrical contracting without certification.
46-year-old Christopher V. Leissler, arrested for engaging in plumbing contracting without certification.
While these individuals may appear knowledgeable, Sgt. Farrier warned homeowners that hiring an unlicensed contractor can lead to bigger problems. “If something goes wrong, you’ll end up being liable as the homeowner,” he cautioned.
For homeowners, Sgt. Farrier advises verifying the credentials of contractors before hiring them. “If the work requires a license, check if the person or company has the proper license,” he said.
