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Unlicensed contractor sting leads to 12 arrests

Posted at 10:23 AM, Jun 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-02 19:56:53-04

A three day undercover sting by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office ended in 12 unlicensed contractors facing charges.

The sting was a joint operation by the Sheriff's Office and Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The following individuals are facing citations:

  • Justin Shingler, 41, of Crystal River
  • Sasha Schiller, 34, of Floral City
  • Ted Bachman, 58, of Beverly Hills
  • Arthur Bolinger, 48, of Dunnellon
  • Joanna Chavez, 45, of Dunnellon
  • David Nice, 36, of Inverness
  • Francesco Sciolino, 54, of Hernando
  • Douglas Stawarz, 55, of Homosassa
  • Culberth Duncan, 32, of Inverness
  • Robert Carlisle, 32, of Hernando
  • Jerry Mathes, 48, of Ocala
  • George Horton, 44, of Okclawaha

According to deputies, they organized the sting following increasing complaints from individuals doing construction related jobs without proper contracting licenses.

Deputies say they obtained a list of suspects via word of mouth, business cards, fliers and advertising on social media.

Undercover deputies called these contractors to come to a home and give them an estimate for remodeling. 

The sting took place between May 24-26, an affidavit states.

All of the above listed contractors reportedly showed up to the home, provided estimates for their work and and advised undercover detectives who to write a check out to to pay for the remodel.

On June 1, deputies contacted the suspects and told them they had each one a partial bid on the construction remodel.

All of the suspects were issued citations to appear in court.  Each are facing one count of person operating as uncertified/electrical or alarm system contractor and one count of contract without a registration/certification/license.

Some of the suspects have prior arrests and convictions.  David Nice is a registered sex offender.  He was convicted in West Virginia of sexual assault on a minor in 2007.