Charlotte County couple accused of unlicensed contracting work, defrauding victim of $10K

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

A Charlotte County couple is accused of doing unlicensed contract work and defrauding a victim out of $10,000, according to Charlotte County court records.

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Court records say deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office were called to a residence on Buckingham Way in September 2025 to respond to a fraud complaint.

According to deputies, a victim told them that in April, they mentioned to Billy D. Hardison and Colleen Ann Katranis that she wished her bathtub could be removed because it was rarely used. Hardison reportedly claimed that he was a handyman and offered to remove the bathtub for the victim, free of charge.

After an initial refusal, deputies say, Hardison entered the victim's home without her permission and began removing the bathtub, causing damage to a bathroom wall. Court records say Hardison then requested house keys from the victim, stating that the victim frequently attended medical appointments and that he needed access to the house to complete the work. Due to her ongoing issues, the victim gave him the keys.

Court records say that over the next several weeks, Hardison performed several unauthorized renovations to the victim's home, including a vanity installation, electrical modifications and plumbing work. According to the victim, she never authorized the work and was never provided with a written estimate or contract for the work.

When the victim confronted Hardison, records say, he demanded payment and told her that she owed $10,000. Records add that he did not provide any written notice, itemized billing or documentation.

In April, records say, under pressure and believing payment was required, the victim issued two payments to a bank account under Katranis' name totaling $10,000. They add that over the following months, the victim repeatedly requested copies of invoices, proof of licensure and permitting documentation from Hardison and Katranis. These requests were ignored.

In September, the victim reportedly requested the return of her house keys and proper documentation. While Katranis returned the keys, records say, the victim was only provided a generic handwritten bill.

On Sept. 30, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation confirmed that Hardison does not currently hold and has never held a contract license in the state of Florida.

In October, when deputies made contact with Hardison, they say he claimed none of the work he did required a permit and that he was working under the contractor's license of a contracting company. The company reportedly told the CCSO that he never worked for it.

Katranis and Hardison were both arrested. They were charged with scheming to defraud, obtaining property less than $20,000, and engaging in contracting business without certification. Hardison was additionally charged with exploitation of an older or disabled adult of less than $20,000.

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