Florida Construction News staff writer
A Sarasota man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly defrauding construction clients in a multi-county scheme worth more than $3 million, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced.
Seth Bloom, who has a prior felony conviction, was arrested June 25 following a joint investigation by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, the Sarasota Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Authorities say Bloom posed as a legitimate contractor, targeting at least 13 victims in seven counties.
Investigators also found 64 illegally possessed firearms — 14 handguns and 50 rifles — as well as more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
“This fraudster took advantage of Floridians, and this criminal behavior won’t be tolerated,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our statewide prosecutors and the Sarasota Police Department, a convicted felon is off the streets, a massive illegal arsenal is dismantled and Florida families are safer for it.”
The alleged fraud involved taking payment for construction work that was never completed, misusing funds and falsifying business records. Charges include:
- scheme to defraud
- misuse of construction funds
- grand theft
- wire fraud
- forgery
- possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
“What started as a financial crime investigation led to the removal of a significant number of illegally possessed firearms from our community,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. “It’s another example of our department’s commitment to protecting victims and pursuing justice at every level.”
In addition to the weapons, police seized computers, business records and other materials believed to be linked to the fraud.
The man remains in custody at the Sarasota County Jail as the investigation continues.
Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Bloom is urged to contact the Sarasota Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 941-263-6070.
