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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — An investigative operation in Manatee County focused on workers’ compensation fraud and exposed unlicensed contractors engaging in construction activities without proper insurance throughout the area.
According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, on March 4 through March 6, the Manatee County Code Enforcement and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation collaborated to form a joint operation.
The goal was to address unlicensed contractors who are performing without the necessary contractor licenses and without the required worker’s compensation insurance exemptions that are mandated by the county.
MCSO said that first-time offenders received either a fine or a cease-and-desist letter along with a notice to appear from Manatee County Code Enforcement.
During the operation, deputies uncovered five individuals who had prior knowledge of the licensing regulations and were arrested as a result. They were:
- Rafael Enrique Rivas Ojeda, 46, for engaging in a contractor business without plumbing certification
- Maor Kfir, 44, for failing to secure workers comp insurance coverage, and engaging in a contractor business without plumbing certification
- Chad Michael Adair, 55, for engaging in a contractor business without plumbing certification
- Terry Francis Brown Sr., 63, for engaging in a contractor business without electrical certification
- Christopher V. Leissler, 46, for engaging in a contractor business without plumbing certification
According to MCSO, a total of 14 offenders were identified who were working without the required licensing.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation educated all offenders on the license assistance program and the necessary steps to acquire a permit to become licensed.