Unlicensed contractor imprisoned in Sarasota hurricane scam

An unlicensed contractor from Riverview, Hillsborough County, was sentenced this week to five years in prison after prosecutors say he stole thousands of dollars from Sarasota County residents recovering from Hurricane Ian.

Justin Hoover, 47, of the 11600 block of Monette Road, was also ordered to pay $212,417.80 in restitution to the victims, according to a statement from the State Attorney’s Office for the 12th Judicial Circuit, which includes Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

Hoover is listed as the CEO of J & J Screens LLC in Florida’s Division of Corporations website, which shows the company intended to install screen enclosures is currently inactive.