Bradenton Business Owner Faces Felony Fraud Charges
When a consumer gives money to a contractor or business owner to purchase products and services, they expect to get what they pay for. However, this does not always happen.
Business owners can be shady. They may use money for non-business expenses and fail to deliver on their promises. The owner of Gulf View Windows and Doors has been accused of fraud after allegedly misusing more than $200,000 in customer money. The money was used for personal expenses such as traveling and gambling.
The 45-year-old business owner has been charged with misappropriating construction funds of $100,000 or more and scheming to defraud $50,000. Both are first-degree felonies. In Florida, a first-degree felony is the most serious degree of felony and is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The criminal charges are the result of a nearly year-long investigation by the Bradenton Police Department.
Gulf View Windows and Doors used to be located at 2620 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton. The man took over operations in early 2023 after he inherited it from a family member. Police began investigating the company in April 2024 after local construction companies reported that the business was not fulfilling orders.
Two companies, Buky Construction and Easton Construction, told police that between October 2023 and March 2024, they paid Gulf View Windows and Doors $792,383 for products they never received. While the man placed the orders, he never paid the manufacturer. Instead, he transferred the money into at least 21 personal and business accounts at financial institutions such as SoFi, Fifth Third Bank, and American Express.
Between August 2023 and November 2024, the man moved customer payments out of company accounts for Gulf View Windows and Doors and into others under his control, including a payroll company account he used to withdraw money. The man also handled a $1 million life insurance payout in the same manner.
The man would use the customers’ money for personal expenses, including $20,000 in airline tickets and more than $200,000 in gambling. He also invested in digital currency and made several ATM withdrawals at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. In addition, he charged spa treatments, meals, and gift shop purchases to company funds.
Police obtained an arrest warrant for the man in March and arrested him on April 1 after he met with detectives at police headquarters. Police say the investigation is still underway.
Seek Legal Help
Business owners need to conduct themselves with class and ethics at all times. Illegal activity such as fraud can lead to criminal charges and ruin a company’s reputation.
If you have been wronged by a business owner, seek legal help from Fort Lauderdale business torts lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. We are ready to provide you with sound legal advice and effective legal representation at all stages of the legal process. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.
Source:
bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article303321846.html
