7 charged after Craigslist contractor sting

By TBO.com
Published: August 20, 2010
Updated: August 20, 2010 - 2:26 PM

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TAMPA --

A police sting aimed at illegal contractors has resulted in seven arrests.

The operation was conducted by Tampa police and the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

According to the agencies, seven unlicensed contractors who advertised through Craigslist gave estimates for plumbing and electrical work to undercover detectives.

Those arrested were Joseph Miller, 52; John Burkhart, 42; Matthew Sargent, 33; Jairo Rojas, 40; Rashied Jones, 36; Joseph Doria, 46; and Albert Bayer, 50. All were charged with contracting without a license and were fined $5,000 by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.