Deputies arrest dozens of people in looting and unlicensed contracting operations on Pinellas barrier islands

Pinella deputies arrested several suspects this month as part of a crackdown on looting and unlicensed conventions in Pinellas beach towns after hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced many residents.

At a news conference in Madeira Beach Thursday afternoon, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said the significant damage caused by hurricanes has drawn an unprecedented amount of bad actors to the beaches.

“We’ve never seen anything of this magnitude before, we’ve never seen this influx of people from outside the region coming here obviously just to steal, loot, do bad things and target these defenseless people,” he said. in question.

Deputies conducting loot patrols on the barrier islands between Oct. 2 and Thursday arrested 45 people on charges including armed robbery, burglary, loitering and prowling, grand larceny, vandalism and trespassing.

Two of the suspects were Pinellas County residents and 41 were not U.S. citizens, Gualtieri said.

“They’re breaking into people’s homes, taking their belongings, going through their belongings,” Gualtieri said. “In one case there was an armed robbery and they broke in and stole things from them by force.”

Deputies also contacted approximately 200 people who appeared suspicious but were unable to determine a valid reason for their arrest. Deputies instead told them to leave.

The majority of suspects and deputies are not from the area and are often in vehicles with out-of-state tags, Gualtieri said.

Detectives had arrested 62 people on more than 100 unlicensed contractor charges as part of a three-day undercover operation in Madeira Beach on Thursday afternoon.

Gualtieri said the suspects approached the undercover crews and “claimed to be licensed contractors” offering to do plumbing, electrical, roofing and other structural work. According to the sheriff, the suspects illegally completed at least 75 projects worth a total of $250,000.

He said that almost all of those arrested in this operation had extensive criminal records that could prevent them from obtaining a construction license, so they avoided the investigation process by working as unlicensed contractors.

“It’s really significant and quite sad that this whole operation took place in just a few streets in Madeira Beach,” Gualtieri said. “This is common up and down Pinellas beaches from Clearwater to St. Pete Beach.”

Gualtieri said the sheriff’s office will prioritize protecting residents and businesses as they rebuild after the storms.

“It’s maddening,” he said. “This is a concrete example of people trying to exploit others when they have nothing when they are down and out and trying to rebuild.”

Tips for choosing a contractor

According to state and local laws, any contractors you hire must be state certified or licensed. Officials say experienced contractors with appropriate licenses will provide safer, higher-quality services.

Pinellas County officials advise property owners to be wary of contractors who:

• State license number cannot be provided;
• Asking you to obtain a construction license as the “owner/builder” or claiming that you will save money by not obtaining a license;
• Requests cash payment or requests large payments upfront.

Unlicensed contractors do not have insurance coverage, so any injury that occurs on your property will be a claim against you and your insurance.

You can find more guidance from the Pinellas County Department of Construction Services on how to select a contractor here.

Times writer Tony Marrero contributed to this report.