Unlicensed Contractor Arrested in Bradenton on Felony Charges Tied to Alleged Hurricane Milton Repair Scam
An unlicensed contractor is accused of defrauding elderly residents who sought repairs after Hurricane Milton, according to the Bradenton Police Department.
Police said Brian Michaud was arrested Tuesday and booked on 13 felony charges following an investigation that began in July 2025 after multiple complaints from residents at Seabreeze Mobile Home Park. Authorities said 14 victims, ranging in age from 62 to 95, reported hiring Michaud—who investigators say operated as RedFin Construction—to repair hurricane-related damage.
Investigators said bank statements, contracts and copies of checks show the victims made down payments totaling about $222,000 for aluminum-related repairs involving carports, lanais, roofs and sheds, but the work was not completed. Police said the investigation determined Michaud is not licensed as a contractor in Florida and allegedly used another company’s contractor license while conducting business during a declared state of emergency.
According to police, financial records covering October 2024 through April 2025 showed transfers and transactions across multiple business and personal accounts. Authorities said more than $53,000 was spent at casinos during that period and that the accounts were used for living and recreational expenses, while some transactions reflected construction-related purchases that investigators say did not result in completed projects for the victims.
Police said Michaud faces 10 counts of presenting another person’s contractor license during a declared state of emergency, as well as charges including scheming to defraud $50,000 or more, misappropriation of construction funds of $100,000 or more, and aggravated white-collar crime against an elderly victim of $50,000 or more. Authorities said he is being held without bond at the Manatee County jail.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police said additional victims may exist. Anyone with a similar complaint involving Michaud or RedFin Construction is asked to contact Detective Michael Carpenter at michael.carpenter@bradentonpd.com.
