A 70-year-old Cutler Bay, Florida man was arrested Tuesday for working in Monroe County without a license after he was reported by a Key Largo woman who stated he failed to finish installing hurricane windows and door.
Alfonso Allen De La Cosa was charged with engaging in a contracting business without a certificate.
The woman told Detective Ian Barnett that she hired De La Cosa last fall to perform $10,359 in hurricane window and door repair work. The woman provided him with her credit card information and agreed to purchase more windows and doors, which De La Coas would sell. De La Cosa promised the woman she would make a profit on this side venture.
Instead, workers stopped showing up to her residence. The work was not done well and left unfinished. At least $30,000 in additional charges were charged to the woman’s credit card(s).
Detective Barnett contacted state regulators for assistance. They provided paperwork stating De La Cosa was not legally licensed to perform the work.
The investigation continued, and ultimately a warrant was issued for De La Cosa’s arrest.
He was booked into jail on Tuesday.
The victim indicated she would be pursuing civil action against De La Cosa regarding the credit card issue.