The men provided quotes to do work they were not licensed to do, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

PASCO COUNTY – Deputies working undercover arrested three men who provided quotes to do construction work they were not licensed to do, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

Cory Allen Martin, 28, was charged with failing to have workers compensation insurance coverage, contracting without a license, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
Christopher Harvey Clark, 35, was charged with failing to have workers compensation insurance coverage and contracting without a license. Richard Lewis Beckwith, 56, was charged with failing to have workers compensation insurance coverage and contracting without a license.

A fourth man provided a quote for the work by email. Deputies said his case will be referred to the State Attorney’s Office.

The undercover operation was conducted at a single family residence in Zephyrhills on May 10 and 11. During the operation, deputies worked undercover posing as the homeowners of
the residence. The unlicensed contractors were located by searching Craigslist, Facebook, Angie’s List, Thumbtack, and Home Advisor. All of the contractors advertised themselves as a “handyman” and said they could complete remodeling services and / or other services requiring a contractor’s license and workers compensation insurance coverage.

The unlicensed contractors were asked to provide a quote for the installation of an enclosed Florida room. A total of four unlicensed contractors came to the residence to provide quotes, deputies said. Three were arrested and charged with unlicensed contracting. One was also accused of possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia, which was found in his vehicle during an inventory search of the impounded vehicle. One of the men did not provide a quote the day of the operation, however, later provided a quote via email.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office worked with the Pasco County Building Department, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, and the Florida Department of Financial Services-Division of Workers’ Compensation.

For a video of the operation, go to youtube.com.

For information about the Pasco sheriff, go to pascosheriff.com.

Main photo is a screen grab from the video, which is Courtesy of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

Pasco Sheriff | Undercover Sting | Unlicensed Contractors | Crime | Arrests | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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