A Lehigh Acres man is wanted for failing to show up for court on charges of defrauding homeowners following Hurricane Ian.
According to Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers, Samuel Thomas sold himself as a contractor to people who had damaged homes after Hurricane Ian.
Thomas claimed to be a contractor and accepted thousands of dollars in down payments from the victims for work that was never started.
Police were unable to charge and arrest him for the scams until July of 2024 due to him being sent to prison on other infractions.
After being released from jail in August, Thomas failed to show up for his court hearings.
Thomas has a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear on charges of scheming to defraud and six counts of unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency.
He will be held without bond upon his arrest.
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