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Painter never did repair jobs after Ivan, authorities say
Associated Press
Published October 2, 2005
PENSACOLA - The owner of a painting business faces fraud charges for taking at least $75,000 for several hurricane repair jobs he never completed, authorities said.
Patrick Milton, 33, posted bail and was released from jail after his arrest Friday on charges of organized fraud, grand theft, contracting without a license and working without workers' compensation insurance.
The State Attorney's Office said he received more than $75,000 from homeowners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties for repairs he never made to homes damaged by Hurricane Ivan last year. Some of the money paid to Milton came from insurance settlements, authorities said.
Milton could not be reached Saturday.
After homeowners' complaints surfaced in June, Milton told the Pensacola News Journal that he couldn't work because someone stole his tools.
"I'm here to fight for my good name," he said then.
Homeowners who hired him said Milton presented himself as articulate, caring and religious - a reverend leading a new church called Prosperity International Ministries.
--Milton also faces complaints with the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
[Last modified October 2, 2005, 04:52:32]
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