Jimmy Patronis busts contractor for defrauding Irma victims

An unlicensed contractor charged Hurricane Irma victims for repairs but failed to do the work.

Florida Chief Financial Office Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of a Kissimmee contractor for defrauding Hurricane Irma victims.

Carmelo Perez Cruz, owner of LNC Renovation, allegedly attempted to swindle homeowners and businesses of a collective $116,478. Patronis said Cruz posed as an established area contractor to gain clients trust. Then the fake contractor took payment but failed to perform repairs for multiple clients.

Cruz in reality did not hold a contracting license in the state of Florida.

“Schemes like this one not only take money out of the pockets of hardworking families, it also drives up insurance rates for everyone,” Patronis said.

The CFO office’s Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team discovered Cruz assumed a fake identify that he regularly used to get hired. He then billed property owners large amounts up front — about the half a project’s total cost — before starting repairs.

Then Cruz would skip town without doing any of the work.

Osceola County Corrections records show the 40-year-old Cruz facing numerous charges related to the investigation. He’s in jail on a total bond of $23,500.

The CFO’s office said Cruz now faces charges of grand theft, unlicensed contractor, scheme to defraud and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Patronis stressed operating without a license is what brings much of Cruz’s legal troubles now.

“Working without a license to defraud Floridians is shameful,” he said.

Patronis said storm victims should remain alert to scams. Even though individuals will want speedy repairs to their home, working with unlicensed contractors involves a significant amount of risk.

“If a contractor tells you to write a check to a business other than the one they claim to own, verify the company name,” he said.

“Always do your research before you hand over a down payment for repairs.”