Bronson Announces Arrest Of Unlicensed North Florida Pest Control Operator
For Information, Contact:
Major Bob Johnson
(850) 245-1300
Bob.Johnson@freshfromflorida.com
December 3, 2008
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the arrest of a North Florida man for operating a pest control business without a license and defying a cease-and-desist order requiring that he discontinue his operations.
Charged with one count of Scheme to Defraud, one count Unlicensed Practice of Pest Control, and three counts of Unlawful Solicitation of customers was John Alan Bennett, 49, of Atlantic Beach. He was arrested by Bronson's Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement on a warrant obtained by the agency following an investigation into complaints of Bennett’s business practices.
Based upon previous incidents, Bennett was issued a cease-and-desist-order by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services last April, directing him to discontinue his unlicensed pest control activities. At the same time, the department imposed a $1,500 fine against him for his illegal activity.
According to investigators, Bennett ignored the order and continued to conduct pest control activities by soliciting at least 3 consumers to use his pest control services.
Following his arrest, Bennett was taken to the Duval County Detention Center, where bail was set at $70,000.
Under Florida law, it is unlawful to engage in commercial pest control activities without a license.
Bronson said it is important that consumers use only licensed pest control professionals as pests can cause great damage to homes and businesses.
To check on the licensing status of a pest control company or operator, consumers can call the department’s toll-free hotline at 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352).
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