Bronson Announces Arrest In Telemarketing Operation
For Information, Contact:
Major Bob Johnson
(850) 245-1300
Bob.Johnson@freshfromflorida.com
March 19, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced today the arrest of a Pinellas County man for running an unregistered telemarketing operation.
Arrested by Bronson’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) on charges of telemarketing without a license, a third-degree felony, was Kenneth B. Choco, 53, of Palm Harbor.
According to OALE, Choco was operating an unregistered telemarketing business identified as Cool Ducts AC and Heat. According to the Division of Consumer Services, Choco was not only the owner of this business, but had previously been involved in two other telemarketing corporations, serving as a president and vice president, and was familiar with the laws regulating telemarketing companies.
Following his arrest, Choco was booked into the Pasco County Jail on a $5,000 bond.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates telemarketers in Florida. Bronson encourages all Floridians to call his department’s Division of Consumer Services at 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352) to check on the registration status of a telemarketer or to file a complaint against any such company.
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