Operation "Extreme Makeover: Fraud Edition" Nets 8 Arrests For Contracting Without A License

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DeLand, FL - Eight would-be contractors end up behind bars after a two-day undercover operation that targeted unlicensed and uninsured individuals offering home improvement and repair services.

The operation, known as "Extreme Makeover: Fraud Edition," took place throughout Wednesday and Thursday (September 16th and 17th) in Deltona and DeLand, where parts of the city are still recovering from a tornado that touched down back on August 18th, causing millions of dollars in damage.

The operation was planned before the tornado struck, but Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a release that these arrests should serve as a warning to any "con artists looking to take advantage of residents in need of home repairs."

Investigators with the Volusia Sheriff's Office received help from the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The DBPR was on site to confirm each defendant was not licensed to perform the work offered.

And, because a state of emergency was active for Hurricane Isaias at the time, the defendants will be charged with contracting without a license during a state of emergency, a felony.

Some of the defendants will also face additional charges in the investigation. One man, 58-year-old David Levison of Orlando, was additionally charged with violation of probation regarding a case where he reportedly stole state funds.

Another man, 41-year-old Michael Lowe of Orlando, had an active warrant in Georgia regarding a violation of probation related to a theft case.

A full list of the defendants can be found below.

  • 46-year-old Bobby Copely of Port Orange: Advertised as “Mr. Fix a Roof Leak," facing two counts of contracting without a license.
  • 56-year-old Gregory Sizemore of Deltona: Advertised as "“Mr. Handy Handyman Service,” facing two counts of contracting without a license.
  • 58-year-old David Levison: Advertised as “The Water Heater Man,” facing two counts of contracting without a license and violation of parole.
  • 33-year-old Aaron Ingram of Daytona Beach: Advertised as “GEOFLOW Air Conditioning and Heating,” facing one count of contracting without a license.
  • 41-year-old Michael Lowe: Advertised as “QM&M Electrical,” facing one count of contracting without a license and violation of parole.
  • 47-year-old Jose Roldan of Deltona: Advertised as “Roldan’s Handyman Service,” facing two counts of contracting without a license.
  • 32-year-old Frank Brito of Deltona: facing one count of contracting without a license.
  • 68-year-old Frank Brito of Deltona: facing one count of contracting without a license.