Operation ‘Extreme Makeover: Fraud Edition’ arrests eight Orlando-area contractors

Orlando, Fla. — The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is cracking down on would-be home repair contractors who operate without a proper license.

Operation “Extreme Makeover: Fraud Edition” was activated in Deltona and DeLand on Wednesday and Thursday.

Parts of DeLand are still recovering from an EF-2 tornado that touched down a month ago, causing millions of dollars in damage.

“This week’s operation was already planned prior to the tornado, but Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the arrests should serve as a warning to any con artists looking to take advantage of residents in need of home repairs,” says a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office press release.

Deputies arrested eight people, who were found unlicensed to perform the handy-work offered.

According to the release, the charges have been upgraded to felonies because a state of emergency enacted for Hurricane Isaias was still in effect

The defendants are as listed:

• Bobby Copley, 46, Port Orange, advertising as “Mr. Fix a Roof Leak,” roof repair and light switch installation; 2 counts.
• Gregory Sizemore, 56, Deltona, advertising as “Mr. Handy Handyman Service,” bathroom remodel and light installation; 2 counts.
• David Levison, 58, Orlando, advertising as “The Water Heater Man,” water heater installation and electrical installation; 2 counts. Also charged with violation of probation re: theft of state funds ($20,000-$100,000).
• Aaron Ingram, 33, Daytona Beach, advertising as “GEOFLOW Air Conditioning and Heating,” air conditioner system replacement; 1 count.
• Michael Lowe, 41, Orlando, advertising as “QM&M Electrical,” light installation; 1 count. Also has an active Georgia warrant for violation of probation re: theft.
• Jose Roldan, 47, Deltona, advertising as “Roldan’s Handyman Service,” roof repair, water heater installation; 2 counts.
• Frank Brito, 32, Deltona, water heater installation, plumbing work; 1 count.
• Frank Brito, 68, Deltona, water heater installation, plumbing work; 1 count.

If you beleive you’ve been scammed by an unlicensed contractor, you can submit a tip to Crimeline by clicking here.

Cox Media Group