Louisiana man arrested after fleeing contract in Punta Gorda

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WWSB) – A Louisiana man now faces charges for failing to honor a labor contract for repairs to his home after Hurricane Ian.

According to investigators, Tommie Jenkins signed a contract in Punta Gorda to replace a pool that was destroyed in 2022. The victims paid half of the work up front, nearly $14,000, and set a date for Jenkins to begin work.

Unfortunately for the homeowner, Jenkins never showed up to do the work.

After texting Jenkins and even sending him certified letters, the victims eventually contacted the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations, who called the Punta Gorda Police Department. Thanks to the victim’s persistence, investigators filed grand theft and contractor fraud charges against Jenkins, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Jenkins was captured in Pike County, Mississippi. He is now in the Charlotte County Jail.

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