NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – A New Smyrna Beach contactor is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from dozens of customers over two years.
The Park County Sheriff’s Office arrested Eric Bartolozzi in Cody, Wyoming, on Friday on a Volusia County warrant after a yearlong investigation.
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According to the State Attorney’s Office of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, the owner of Serene Pavers and Stonescaping Inc. took money from 32 different people to work on back porches and pool areas, but then never did the work.
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“The nature and circumstances of financial crimes/fraud are often hidden in what unsuspecting folks believe to be a legitimate business transaction,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said following Bartolozzi’s arrest. “That is the danger consumers face when they trust someone like the defendant to honor the deal/contract they agreed to. We will continue to root out and prosecute individuals who choose to swindle those who trusted them.”
Bartolozzi is facing charges of money laundering exceeding $100,000, organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, and monies received by contractors misapplied $1,000 or more but less than $100,000.
The case was investigated by several law enforcement agencies in Volusia County including New Smyrna Beach Police Department, Edgewater Police Department, Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, Ponce Intent Police Department and Port Orange Police Department.
As of Tuesday, Bartolozzi remains in custody in Wyoming.
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