FDACS Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Arrests Individual Conducting Unlicensed Pest Control Activity / 2021 Press Releases / Press Releases / News & Events / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Tallahassee, Fla. — Last week, investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) arrested Jose Juan Mendoza, who had been conducting unlicensed pest control activity for a realtor in Hillsborough County, Florida.
“Illegal and unlicensed pest control operations are not only fraudulent, but also threaten the well-being of unsuspecting victims. I am grateful for our investigators with our Division of Agricultural Environmental Services and Agricultural Law Enforcement for working together to crack down on this bad actor, sending a message that such unlawful and dangerous activity will not be allowed,” Commissioner Nikki Fried said. “We encourage all consumers to research pest control operators before hiring and to immediately report any concerns to our Department. Know we are here to enforce the law and protect Floridians from fraud and pest control violations.”
Timeline and background information:
In the course of FDACS Division of Agricultural Environmental Services (AES) investigation and rendering of administrative action against Jose Juan Mendoza, AES referred the suspect to OALE for potential criminal activity, as Mendoza was reportedly performing inspections and creating fictitious Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection reports, falsely declaring homes free from termite infestation. These WDO inspection reports were then relied upon by unsuspecting homebuyers to obtain loans with financial institutions.
Results: After thorough investigation, OALE criminal investigators determined that Mendoza used fraudulent business license numbers and expired identification card numbers to make his fraud scheme appear legitimate. When confronted with the investigative findings, Mendoza admitted to having no Pest Control License and no insurance surety bond, and intentionally performing unlicensed pest control activities. Mendoza also admitted to producing fraudulent WDO inspection reports.
Charges: On October 14, 2021, OALE criminal investigators secured a warrant for Mendoza’s arrest. OALE located and arrested Mendoza without incident and booked him into the Hillsborough County Jail on the following charges: Violation of Section 817.034(4)(A)1, Florida Statutes, Scheme to Defraud (over $50,000.00), First-Degree Felony, 1 count; Violation of Section 831.01, Florida Statutes, Forgery, Third-Degree Felony, 2 counts; Violation of Section 831.02, Florida Statutes, Uttering, Third-Degree Felony, 2 counts; and Violation of Section 482.191(1), Florida Statutes, Unlawful Performance or Advertisement for Pest Control Services, Second-Degree Misdemeanor, 3 counts. Mendoza’s bond was set at $19,750, and the date of Mendoza’s court appearance will be set by the Hillsborough County Court.
Arrestee:
Jose Juan Mendoza
DOB: 06/18/1956
Thonotosassa, Florida
Consumer Tips: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is responsible for enforcing all pesticide regulations and laws in Florida. If a consumer suspects an entity or individual is conducting illegal or unlicensed pest control operations, we urge Floridians to file a complaint by calling 1-850-617-7996 or filing an online report[ ].
###
source: https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2021-Press-Releases/FDACS-Office-of-Agricultural-Law-Enforcement-Arrests-Individual-Conducting-Unlicensed-Pest-Control-Activity
Your content is great. However, if any of the content contained herein violates any rights of yours, including those of copyright, please contact us immediately by e-mail at media[@]kissrpr.com.