The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Robert Grannan, DOB 11/19/66, 275 South McCall Road #4, Englewood, for taking money for contracting work he never performed.

Grannan, doing business as Florida Complete Air Services, charged an 85-year-old Venice woman $2,684 for a new 2 ½ ton 410a Heat Pump Unit that he never replaced.

Grannan who does not have a valid contractor’s license to perform the work listed on the invoice he provided to his victim, has previously been convicted for Acting in the Capacity of a Contractor without a License.

Grannan is charged with Grand Theft from a Person 65 and Older, Fraud for a second violation of falsely identifying himself as a contractor, and Exploitation of the Elderly, a charge for which there is currently no bond.

To protect yourself when hiring a contractor the Sarasota County Building Department recommends the following steps:

• Get a signed, detailed contract that spells out the work to be done, when and for how much.
• Do not make a large down payment. Wait to make the final payment until the final inspection has been done and work is approved. Make the check out to the business, not someone’s personal name.
• Ask to see the contractor’s license and verify its status. To check on a Sarasota County license call 861-6678.

If you suspect someone is acting as an unlicensed contractor, contact the Sarasota County Building Department or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.