OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Six area men accused of being unlicensed contractors are facing charges following a recent sting operation focusing on unlicensed contractor activity
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According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), in March, the agency conducted a sting operation, “Operation Money Pit,” in conjunction with Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The operation focused on unlicensed contractor activity, the OCSO said.
As a result of the investigation, the OCSO said it arrested Daemond Keith Powers, 36, of Milton, Samuel Murat Welshans, 28, of Navarre, and David Kuenzel, 60, of Fort Walton Beach, for allegedly engaging in contracting business without a license.
Three others, Christopher Edward Carroll, 39, of Crestview, Robert Newton Carroll, 70, of Crestview, William Christopher Strickland, 38, of DeFuniak Springs, are charged with engaging in contracting business without a certificate, the OCSO said.
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According to the OCSO, the DBPR researched unlicensed contractors who were advertising services requiring a state license. A DBPR investigator then posed as a homeowner and interacted with contractors who had agreed to come and give an estimate on work, the OCSO said.
The Okaloosa County Department of Growth Management also assisted in the investigation.
“With the 2023 hurricane season underway, it’s imperative the public realize how critical it is to make sure anyone they hire to do repairs around their home is licensed and insured,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.
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“It only takes a few minutes check online and be sure you are taking the right steps to protect your property and your finances from unlicensed contractors who are violating the law.”
