A 53-year-old Florida man faces multiple fraud and theft charges after detectives say he took tens of thousands of dollars for contracting work he never intended to complete.
Gabor Sandor Fazekas, 53, of Naples is charged with grand theft from a person 65 years or older, impersonating a contractor, and two counts of contracting without a license.
“Thanks to an extensive investigation by our Financial Crimes Bureau detectives, there’s one less unlicensed contractor in Collier County preying on senior citizens in our community,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said.
The arrest culminated a two-year CCSO investigation which involved meticulous detective work including obtaining subpoenas for the bank accounts of Fazekas and the victims, interviewing witnesses, and researching county and state records for licenses, permits, and certificates.
The investigation revealed between February 2020 and October 2020 Fazekas had proposed two bathroom renovation projects to the two elderly victims. Fazekas collected over $26,000 from the victims and failed to start the projects.
Fazekas was arrested at the Naples Jail Center after turning himself in on the CCSO warrant.
Detectives said state prosecutors are currently reviewing their request for an additional arrest warrant for Fazekas connected to this investigation. Detectives said Fazekas received $65,000 from an elderly victim and never performed the work.
Florida law requires that persons who want to perform general, building, and residential construction to become licensed.
Sheriff Rambosk reminds residents seeking to hire a contractor that they should verify proper licensing and proof of insurance. Always ask to see their credentials, and references from other customers, and never agree to pay the full amount for services upfront.
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