SARASOTA, Fla. – A Florida man has been charged with orchestrating a multi-county construction fraud scheme that defrauded at least 13 victims across seven Florida counties, resulting in more than $3 million in losses, the Florida Attorney General announced Monday.
During the arrest of Seth Bloom of Sarasota and the execution of a search warrant, investigators said they uncovered a large cache of firearms and ammunition, despite Mr. Bloom being a convicted felon.
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“This fraudster took advantage of Floridians, and this criminal behavior won’t be tolerated,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our Statewide Prosecutors and the Sarasota Police Department, a convicted felon is off the streets, a massive illegal arsenal is dismantled, and Florida families are safer for it.”
Bloom is facing multiple felony charges, including:
- Scheme to Defraud;
- Misuse of Construction Funds;
- Grand Theft;
- Wire Fraud;
- Forgery;
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and
- Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.
As part of this joint investigation by the Sarasota Police Department, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), law enforcement seized:
- 64 firearms (14 handguns and 50 rifles/long guns);
- Over 10,421 rounds of ammunition in more than fourteen different calibers; and
- Computers, business records, and additional evidence linked to the fraud.
Bloom was arrested Wednesday and is currently being held in the Sarasota County Jail.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Seth Bloom is urged to contact the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (941) 263-6070.
