The owner of a Pensacola, Fla. painting business faces fraud charges for taking at least $75,000 for several hurricane repair jobs he never completed, authorities told the Pensacola News Journal.
Patrick Milton posted bail and was released from jail after his arrest Friday on charges of organized fraud, grand theft, contracting without a license and working without workers’ compensation insurance.
The State Attorney’s Office said Milton received more than $75,000 from homeowners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for repairs he never made to homes damaged last year by Hurricane Ivan. Authorities said some of the money paid to Milton came from insurance settlements.
After homeowners’ complaints surfaced in June, Milton told the News Journal he couldn’t work because someone stole his tools.
“I’m here to fight for my good name,” he said then.
Homeowners who hired him said Milton presented himself as articulate, caring and religious – a reverend leading a new church called Prosperity International Ministries.
According to the News Journal, Milton also faces complaints with the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
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