NAPLES, Fla. – An unlicensed contractor is facing multiple felony fraud charges after detectives said he took tens of thousands of dollars from condominium owners for hurricane impact windows that were never installed.
Investigators identified the suspect as 29-year-old Michael Allen Rodriguez, owner of MCR Construction Pro.
He is being held in the Charlotte County Jail on local charges while awaiting extradition to Collier County.
Key Points
- Detectives say Michael Allen Rodriguez took $20,100 from five Naples condo owners for work never completed.
- Rodriguez allegedly used the funds for personal expenses and was not a licensed contractor.
- He faces charges of fraud and scheme to defraud, with extradition to Collier County pending.
Detectives uncover fraudulent construction scheme
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed that between January and April 2022, Rodriguez accepted deposits totaling $20,100 from five property owners for the purchase and installation of impact-resistant windows. Detectives said he failed to deliver the materials or complete the jobs and instead spent the funds on personal expenses.
Authorities also confirmed Rodriguez did not hold a valid Florida contractor’s license at the time. Following a review by the Naples State Attorney’s Office, a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of fraud-obtain property valued between $20,000 and $50,000, and scheme to defraud.
Suspect held pending extradition
Rodriguez was located and arrested in Charlotte County on June 16 on separate local charges. A detainer from Collier County has been placed on him pending extradition to face the fraud counts. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk commended detectives for their persistence and urged residents to always verify contractor licensing and insurance before hiring. He also reminded the public not to pay the full amount for services upfront and to report suspected contractor fraud immediately to law enforcement.