“This criminal behavior won’t be tolerated”: Florida AG charges man who defrauded at least 13 people for $3 million
Florida – Authorities said that a man from Sarasota ran a multi-million dollar construction fraud scheme that affected seven counties in Florida. Seth Bloom has been charged with a number of offenses by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, which is part of Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office. The alleged fraud, which officials claim affected at least 13 victims and cost them more than $3 million, is what led to the charges.
Bloom, a convicted felon, is accused by state authorities of running a fake construction business and stealing money from clients for projects that were never finished. The fraud affected many counties and caused financial problems for households and businesses that paid a lot of money for work that was never done.
During Bloom’s arrest, the case took a big turn when police carried out a search warrant and found a significant stash of guns. Even though he wasn’t allowed to have guns or ammo because of his previous record, investigators uncovered 64 guns, including 14 handguns and 50 rifles or long guns, as well as more than 10,400 rounds of ammo in different calibers. The police also took computers, business papers, and other things that they thought were linked to the crime.
Attorney General Uthmeier praised the Sarasota Police Department and the Statewide Prosecutors for working together.
“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.”
“This case is a testament to the hard work and coordination of our detectives and partner agencies,” said Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. “What started as a financial crime investigation led to the removal of a significant number of illegally possessed firearms from our community. It’s another example of our department’s commitment to protecting victims and pursuing justice at every level.”
Bloom now faces a long list of felony charges, including scheme to defraud, misuse of construction funds, grand theft, wire fraud, forgery, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was taken into custody on June 25, 2025, and is still being held at the Sarasota County Jail as the investigation goes on.
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The authorities are asking anyone who thinks they may have been affected by Bloom’s alleged acts to get in touch with the Sarasota Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. The case is ongoing, and officials say additional charges could be filed as the investigation develops.
