Unlicensed Contractor Arrested by Florida Disaster Fraud Strike Team
October 24, 2017
An unlicensed contractor from Fort Myers, Fla., has been arrested after he was found to be conducting subpar roof repairs and operating without insurance in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
Palma was released from the Lee County Jail on $5,000 bond.
If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said Oscar M. Palma was arrested this month by the Department of Financial Services’ Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team.
Palma was reported to authorities after allegedly making subpar roof repairs to an area apartment complex following Hurricane Irma. A statement from DFS said an investigation was then launched where fraud detectives found Palma was advertising himself as a licensed and insured contractor, but held no workers’ compensation coverage and was not licensed as a contractor.
“When contractors fail to secure workers’ compensation coverage, a myriad of risks are presented, and we are sending a message that taking short cuts will not be tolerated,” Patronis said. “If any of Palma’s workers were to get injured, the property owners, who are already going through high-stress and costly times dealing with Hurricane Irma damages, or the employee themselves are forced to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses. Our efforts are focused on ensuring our residents, consumers and employees don’t fall victim to Irma twice, and these types of uninsured activities could cause just that.”
The Department’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance received a tip Oct. 12, 2017, alleging unlicensed, uninsured and careless roof work was being performed by Palma’s company. Investigators visited one of Palma’s current work sites and issued a stop work order upon confirming Palma failed to secure workers’ compensation insurance and Palma’s confession to having no professional license.
He was arrested Oct. 13, 2017, and transported to Lee County Jail.
This case will be prosecuted by the Lee County Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit. If convicted, Palma could face up to five years in prison.
DFS’s anti-fraud strike team consists of three teams working in areas heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma including South Florida, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties; Southwest Florida, including Lee and Collier counties; and Central Florida, including Polk and Orange counties. To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.
Source: Florida Department of Financial Services
Oscar Palma Overview
Oscar Palma has been associated with three companies, according to
public records. The companies were formed over a six year period with
the most recent being incorporated eleven years ago in December of 2005.
Zero of the companies are still active while the remaining three are
now listed as inactive.
The standard is clear that if protective equipment is required, then it should be supplied and used.”–OSHA Spokesman
A company that operates nine ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada will require workers to wear safety helmets when working on the mountains.
The new policy follows the death in March of Alexander Witt, who wasn’t wearing a helmet and died while working on a steep trail at Sugarloaf USA in Maine. The resort was fined $11,400 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
A spokeswoman for Boyne Resorts told New Hampshire Public Radio that the new policy now applies to all its resorts, which also include Maine’s Sunday River and Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. The company also owns resorts in Michigan, Montana, Utah, Washington and British Columbia.
The National Ski Areas Association says the industry in general is moving toward such policies.
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The standard is clear that if protective equipment is required, then it should be supplied and used.”–OSHA Spokesman
Sugarloaf’s parent company, Boyne Resorts, also developed a new corporate policy requiring staff to wear safety helmets when working the mountain following the death of a Sugarloaf worker last season and a federal fine.
Bangor Daily News reports last March Sugarloaf employee, Alexander Witt, was working on a steep Sugarloaf trail when he lost his balance and tumbled 100 yards downhill without a helmet on and was killed by blunt force trauma to his head. OSHA fined Sugarloaf $11,408 for a serious violation of federal rules.
Boyne Resorts company spokeswoman, Julie Ard, said helmet policies at the resorts they operate varied from one mountain to the next but are now uniform:
“We have implemented a helmet policy. It is a requirement now that all of our team members at all locations in the U.S. and Canada are wearing approved helmets when on snow or actually on a bicycle as well.”
Boyne Resorts operates Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Loon Mountain and seven other ski resorts. The National Ski Areas Association says the industry in general is moving toward such policies, although there is no uniform standard.
Alexander David Witt (1992-2017)
Posted by Administrator • March 6, 2017 •
Alexander David Witt
CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Alexander David Witt, age 24, “Alex,” died while combining his work with his passion for skiing, on Friday morning March 3, 2017. Alex, who was known by a variety of other nicknames that were endearing to his fun-loving persona, was at his on-mountain job, preparing a course for an upcoming mogul competition on the double black diamond Skidder Trail.
The world was made a kinder, gentler, and more humorous place on June 19, 1992, in Farmington, when he was born the second of two children to the loving family of James M. and Michele K. (Wallin) Witt IV. In his formative years, he played Little League baseball, starting his career as a Temple Tiger. He went on to be a pitcher for the Titans and then the Babe Ruth Franklin County Flyers All-Star team, where he was a valued teammate for his curveball, knuckle ball pitches, his power hitting, and most importantly for his supportive team spirit.
He was a 2010 Mt. Blue High School graduate, where he was an athlete who competed in skiing, baseball and golf. Alex offered humor to most any escapade. He valued time with family and friends on ski slopes, at the bowling alley, on the baseball field and on golf courses. A lover of nature, he cherished spending time with his family and friends at their home on Clearwater Lake, both on and off the water. Next to his many friends and family, Alex was most enthusiastic about his love of music. He garnered endless hours of pleasure listening to his favorite bands, Phish and the Grateful Dead (in that order). He spent days on end traveling the countryside with fellow enthusiasts and beloved friends attending festivals and concerts which he always shared in detail with his family upon returning home. He was also a connoisseur of beer, especially craft beer. He loved sampling new varieties from all around the country and sharing his extensive knowledge with other brew lovers. Whether on a mountain, a lake, a dirt road, or a concert at Madison Square Garden, Alex was always in pursuit of the next adventure with his friends and family.
Alex was a free spirit who lifted up everyone who knew him. His sense of humor and loyalty to those he loved was legendary. “To know him was to love him” is a common phrase used to describe him.
He attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. He was employed by the Sugarloaf Mountain Competition Center Race Crew, where he was valued for his work ethic, his knowledge of ski racing, and his positive attitude. His truly remarkable spirit not only positively impacted his co- workers but also the coaches and athletes who were lucky enough to reap the rewards of his work. He felt most at home in the mountains and on the lakes in his native Franklin County.
Alex is loved by his parents: Jim and Michele Witt of Industry; his sister Jamie Witt Burns and her husband, (who Alex considered a brother), Benjamin Burns of Freeport; maternal grandmother: Meredith A. Sherman of Farmington; paternal grandmother: W. Corinne Witt of Farmington; three uncles: Edward G. Witt, “Ed” (Diana) of Madison, NH and Robert S. Witt, “Rob” (Nichole) of Wilton; beloved cousins Amy Witt, Elizabeth Witt Lowe, Jeffrey Witt and Edward Witt, Jr., “Eddie” (Meghan).
He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, David C. Wallin and paternal grandfather, James M. Witt, III.
“Phunkle Al” is also survived by his sister’s dogs, Luna and Gauge, and a collection of loving, loyal, and very special friends whom he adored.
To honor Alex, his family asks that everyone should find as many opportunities as possible to spread love, laughter, or kindness to others, and to take every chance available to take the time to enjoy life’s pleasures, both large and small.
Please share with his family your condolences and tributes on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com, where his memorial video tribute will also be able to be viewed.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd. (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning March 11, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Middle Street, Farmington with Rev. Paul Dumais as celebrant. Following Mass, a reception will be held at the Parish Hall, hosted by the Altar Guild and Calzolaio Pasta Co. In keeping with Alex’s love for the sport of skiing, remembrance gifts may be given to the Titcomb Ski Education Fdt. PO Box 138 West Farmington, Maine, 04992. Spring interment at Fairview Cemetery in Farmington.
Crews continue to mitigate pollution threats from vessels displaced by Hurricane Irma
October 23rd, 2017
Response crews work to remove a submerged vessel in Boot Key Harbor, Fla., Oct. 16, 2017. Response crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency are managing vessel removal operations throughout Florida in response to Hurricane Irma with a priority on vessels leaking fuel or hazardous materials. FEMA photo by J.T. Blatty.
MIAMI, FL — Cleanup efforts of displaced vessels are progressing throughout Florida waterways six weeks after Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys.
Nearly 230 people from state and federal agencies are involved in the disaster response.
The Unified Command for the response—officially titled Emergency Support Function 10 Florida consists of leaders from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
As the focus of the response is on safety of human life and environmental protection, vessel owners are encouraged to hire a professional salvage company in order to provide the safest method possible.
“Owners of displaced vessels are urged to wear closed-toe shoes and a life jacket if they’re considering going aboard to retrieve personal belongings,” said Cmdr. JoAnne Hanson, Coast Guard Incident Commander for ESF10 Florida. “It is also advised to have a safety observer present.”
Responders are prioritizing the removal of vessels based on environmental impact.
“We deploy trained Natural Resource Advisors to monitor operations in sensitive habitats or near wildlife that is threatened or endangered,” said Timyn Rice, the Environmental Unit Leader for ESF10 Florida. “We’ve consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, FWC, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to establish best management practices to avoid environmental impacts during removal operations.”
For more imagery and video of the Hurricane Irma response, please visit our Hurricane Irma Flickr page.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. - The official cause of the fire that took the life of Jane "Nikki" Engel in Desert Hot Springs in August was electrical in nature, Cal Fire has now disclosed.
Earlier we reported that Desert Hot Springs police ruled the death accidental.
The blaze was reported on Aug.4 in a single-family residence in the 9000 block of Calle de Vecinos.
No injuries were initially reported in connection with the blaze, but Desert Hot Springs police said that as firefighters were putting the fire out, Engel's body was found inside the home.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said the cause of death is listed as inhalation of products of combustion.
Engel,70, was a prolific volunteer who was known for her work with the Desert Hot Springs Women's Club to the Veterans of Foreign War.
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DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. - A woman and her dogs were found dead after a fire at a Desert Hot Springs home Thursday.
The blaze was reported at 8:39 a.m. in the single-family residence in the 9000 block of Calle de Vecinos, said Tawny Cabral of the Riverside County Fire Department.
No injuries were initially reported in connection with the blaze, but Desert Hot Springs police said Thursday afternoon that as firefighters were putting the fire out, a woman's body was found inside the home.
According to DHS PD Deputy Chief Jim Henson, police found a white adult female, deceased inside the home.
The Riverside County Coroners' office identified the woman as 70-year-old Jane Engel.
There were also some deceased dogs found in the home, Henson said.
Twenty firefighters got the flames under control by 9:40 a.m., Cabral said. There was no immediate word on what sparked the fire.
Henson said Desert Hot Springs police and Riverside County Fire investigators were working together to determine what caused the deaths and the fire.
Lowell , NC
The Gaston County Fire Marshal has determined that food on a stove caused the fire at a Lowell home that left a man dead and woman injured Friday evening.
Fire Marshal Eric Hendrix said that the woman had a pot of oil heating on a stove at the duplex home at 406 McAdenville Road. He said the fire ignited around 5 p.m. when the woman put a handful of frozen fries in the pot.
“Anytime you put something frozen like that into a pot of oil, any moisture left on the fries is going to cause the oil to splash out,” said Hendrix. “It usually flashes immediately. It’s a quick fire that spreads to everywhere.”
Fire officials were notified of the fire around 5:16 p.m. Emergency crews pulled the man from the home, but he was not able to be saved. The woman was transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia with minor, non-life-threatening burns. It’s unclear whether she has been released from the hospital.
Hendrix said Saturday morning that Lowell Police will likely release the names of the couple following notification of the man’s family.
The left side of the duplex where the couple lived is considered a total loss and will have to be gutted, according to Hendrix.
A woman who lived in the right side of the duplex has been temporarily displaced after her unit suffered minor smoke and water damage.
“Neither unit is livable right now,” said Hendrix.
The duplex has been owned by Neil Earl Cannon, of Gastonia, since 1981, according to Gaston County property records.
This story will be updated as new details emerge.
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Updated Oct 23, 2017 at 1:20 PM
Lowell Police have identified the man killed in a house fire Friday.
Darrell Wayne Wilson, 48, died when food on a stove caused a fire at his home at 406 McAdenville Road. A woman who also lived at the home, Sally Simmons, suffered minor injuries in the blaze, said Police Chief Scott Bates.
“She got him to the back door, but he had some health issues,” Bates said. “We’re not sure if the cause of death is smoke inhalation or some other medical issue.”
The Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire accidental. Bates said the fatal fire remains under investigation but that police do not consider it suspicious.
“We don’t see anything that would raise an eyebrow,” Bates said.
Simmons was able to escape the home, but when rescue workers arrived Wilson was still on the patio. Wilson used oxygen tanks to help him breathe, Bates said.
Wilson was a member of the North Gaston Church of God and was known as someone with a strong faith. His faith did not prevent the God to take his life. So much for religous people believeing the He will save them. NOT!
“He always had a positive, upbeat outlook on life and circumstances and was very giving to others,” according to his obituary.
Fire Marshal Eric Hendrix said that the woman had a pot of oil heating on a stove at the duplex home. He said the fire ignited around 5 p.m. when the woman put a handful of frozen french fries in the pot.
“Anytime you put something frozen like that into a pot of oil, any moisture left on the fries is going to cause the oil to splash out,” Hendrix said. “It usually flashes immediately. It’s a quick fire that spreads to everywhere.”
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October 20, 2017 at 7:38 PM
A man is dead and his wife was taken to the hospital following a duplex fire on Friday.
Eric Sauerwein sprinted over to the 406 McAdenville Road home in Lowell after pulling into his nearby residence and seeing smoke. But the fire extinguisher he wielded could do little to help the man inside.
“A lot of good that was going to do,” he said. “I could hear his wife hollering, ‘Help us. Help us.’ I ran over there and there was probably a dozen or so people over there before I got there. That fire extinguisher was moot.”
The male resident, who has only been identified as a 49 year old, was taken out of the house before dying at the scene, Lowell Police say. The Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the blaze, which was reported to firefighters at 5:16 p.m.
Fire marshals haven’t yet revealed the cause of the fire, though neighbors speculate it was the result of hot grease left on a stove. The other half of the duplex appeared to be intact.
The man used an oxygen tank to assist his breathing, his neighbors said. His wife was taken to the hospital with burn marks that aren’t expected to be serious, according to police. Sauerwein says he knew when emergency workers pulled the man out of the house the circumstances seemed dire.
“I could tell then, he wasn’t coherent,” he said.
The Fire Marshal’s office continues to investigate.
