Florida Workers’ Comp Fraud Sting Leads to 9 Arrests

The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) announced nine arrests following a multi-agency workers’ compensation sting in Manatee County, Florida. These nine individuals were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning work without proper licenses or training, and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.

Those who were arrested include:

• Margaret Espinal
• Ruben Hernandez-Caleron
• Juergen Hinz
• Martin Joseph Aldridge
• Mario Marcello Botton
• Michael Robert Hawkins
• Victor Honeycutt,
• Stephen Clay Dennis
• Ian A. Oswald

During the three-day operation that ended September 25th, DIF detectives accompanied by logistical and tactical support from multiple agencies, established an undercover sting across the Tampa-Bradenton area in an effort to stop the illegal practice. Detectives responded to the aforementioned public advertisements, calling for contractors to perform services at a specified location in Manatee County.

The investigation revealed that of the nine individuals arrested, unlicensed and uninsured plumbing and electrical services were allegedly offered by Ruben Caleron, Juergen Hinz, Michael Hawkins, Victor Honeycutt, Stephen Dennis, and Ian Oswald. Illegal contracting services limited to plumbing only were allegedly offered by Margaret Espinal and Martin Aldridge and services regarding plumbing and AC repair were allegedly offered by Mario Botton, according to a statement by DIF.

“When individuals knowingly neglect the law, they create a liability risk for property owners by performing sub-par work and by potentially leaving property owners responsible to cover medical costs if an uncovered worker is hurt on their property,” DIF stated.

Multiple agencies participated in securing the sting’s successful outcome. These agencies included: the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradenton Police Department, the Palmetto Police Department, the Longboat Key Police Department, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the City of Bradenton Code Enforcement, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Manatee County Code Enforcement, and the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office.

The nine individuals who were arrested were booked into Manatee County Jail on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and unlicensed contracting, and if convicted, they can face up to 5 years in prison. These cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Manatee County State Attorney Ed Brodsky.

Source: Florida Department of Insurance Fraud