Man arrested for contractor-related fraud

A 27-year-old Stock Island man was arrested Thursday for taking more than $2,000 from a Summerland Key resident in exchange for installing a fence that was never built.

Carlos Sosa Jr. was charged with two counts of fraud and one count of grand theft.

The victim told Deputy Ty Torres in early April that he gave Sosa $2,300 in late March to build a chain link fence at his residence. The victim saw an ad online in which Sosa stated he was a licensed contractor. Deputy Torres learned later that Sosa is not a state licensed contractor.

The victim stated Sosa never arrived to do the work. The victim stated did not return the victim’s phone calls, texts or social media messages. The victim gave Deputy Torres a description of Sosa’s truck and Sosa’s address on Stock Island.

Deputy Torres found Sosa at the address a few days later on April 7. Deputy Torres advised Sosa he had 90 days to complete the project as per state law.

Deputy Torres spoke the victim after 90 days and the victim stated Sosa had done no work for  the months of April, May or June. Nor had Sosa had any communication with the victim for that time.

Deputy Torres spoke to the victim again on July 9 and received the same answer. Deputy Torres filed a warrant for Sosa’s arrest.

Sosa was taken to jail on Thursday.

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