HOUSTON COUNTY, AL — The Coppola's and seven other homeowners say they lost thousands of dollars to a fake contractor. Detectives say Brian Coomey would take deposits then never return to do the work.
The 38-year-old is accused of convincing at least eight customers that he was a licensed contractor, capable of adding screen rooms onto their homes.
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Lorraine and Lou Coppola say they paid Coomey $2,900 and have nothing to show for it. Another homeowner, Javiar Cardova, claims to have lost $6,000.
The Hillsborough Sheriff's office says Coomey went as far as to advertise himself as a licensed contractor on Facebook but he's not licensed.
It is easy to check a contractor's license. Just go to http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/.
Coomey has been under investigation in Hillsborough County for more than a year and on the run for months. Cops caught up with him in Houston County, Alabama last week.
The arrest marked the latest in a string over the years including charges for trespassing, worthless checks and obstruction of justice.
Next, Brian Coomey will be extradited to Hillsborough County in the next two weeks. If convicted he faces multiple years behind bars.
