Police: Bradenton business owner charged with fraud spent $200K on gambling

A Bradenton business owner has been arrested following what authorities say was a nearly year-long investigation by the Bradenton Police Department into his finances.

Jeremy DeMers, 45, is charged with misappropriation of construction funds ($100,000 or more) and scheming to defraud ($50,000 or more), which are first-degree felonies.

DeMers owns Gulf View Windows and Doors, based at 2620 Manatee Ave. W. He took over the business in 2023 from his brother, Jordan, who was diagnosed with cancer, according to police; officials say Jordan died in April 2024.

Image courtesy of Bradenton Police Department

In late April 2024, authorities say they began investigating complaints from Buky Construction and Easton Construction that after DeMers took over the business, Gulf View Windows and Doors failed to fulfill their orders, leading to liens being placed on their properties. The companies paid more than $792,000 to Gulf View Window and Doors from October 2023 to March 2024 for products made by E.S. Construction, according to police.

Instead of paying the manufacturer, investigators say, DeMers funneled money into multiple business and personal accounts. Authorities allege DeMers had more than 21 accounts and that he transferred customer funds deposited into Gulf View Windows and Doors accounts to his other accounts or a payroll company from which he would then withdraw money; officials say he did the same with a $1 million life insurance policy payout.

“DeMers consistently transferred funds between various accounts at multiple financial institutions to hide the nature of his financial gains,” the Bradenton Police Department says in a statement. “He used customers' money for personal expenses, including travel, gambling and investments in digital currency. Specifically, DeMers spent $19,554 on airline tickets and at least $200,000 on gambling. Additionally, he made several ATM withdrawals at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and charged expensive meals, spa treatments and purchases from gift shops on-site.”

Detective Michael Carpenter, who investigated the case, obtained arrest warrants for DeMers in March. Officials say DeMers agreed to meet him at the Bradenton Police Department and was arrested April 1. He remains in custody as of April 2, according to police records.