El Portal Contractor Arrested for Multi-County Scam Probe

Investigation and Arrest

• 🔍 El Portal police have arrested a man accused of posing as a fake contractor and scamming victims out of tens of thousands of dollars.
• 📅 The arrest concludes a months-long investigation, with investigators actively hunting the suspect for over a year.
• 🚨 An additional victim from Miami-Dade County came forward, reporting a $20,000 scam, increasing the urgency to apprehend the suspect.

Suspect and History

• 👤 The arrested individual is identified as Michael Martinez, 61 years old, who allegedly operated without a contractor's license.
• 🗣️ Post-Miranda, Martinez reportedly admitted to remembering a specific kitchen project, suggesting awareness of his alleged actions.
• ⚖️ Martinez has a history of fraudulent contracting work, with previous victims reporting significant financial losses.

Victim Impact and Legal Proceedings

• 💔 One victim, Ian McKenzie, lost $12,000 after hiring Martinez for what he believed was a licensed contractor.
• 🏠 Another victim was scammed out of a $17,000 deposit for kitchen, bathroom, and pool remodeling, later being awarded $52,000 in a lawsuit.
• ✅ Victims expressed relief that Martinez is off the streets, hoping he will not be able to continue his alleged fraudulent activities.
• ⛓️ Martinez was booked into the Broward County main jail and has since been transported to TGK in Miami.