NEW PORT RICHEY — A two-day sting by the Pasco Sheriff's Office resulted in the arrest of 11 suspected unlicensed contractors operating in the county, many with a history of other crimes.
Authorities targeted contractors who lacked the required license and who worked in construction without the required workers' compensation insurance or exemptions.
According to arrest reports, the 11 men who were arrested advertised services on forums such as Craigslist, then proposed installing hot water heaters and laundry tubs to undercover authorities.
On Nov. 19 and 20, the 11 individuals were charged with workers' compensation fraud and unlicensed construction contracting, both felonies. They were all booked into the county jail.
Seven of the 11 had criminal histories, according to the Sheriff's Office, with charges that included robbery, grand theft and vehicle theft, as well as drug and battery charges.
The Sheriff's Office worked with the state Department of Financial Services, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation Compliance and Pasco County Building Inspections.