Sarasota County Contractor Charged with Grand Theft

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has filed additional charges against a Venice contractor who took payment from a customer but didn't perform the work.

Steven Baker, DOB 8/14/56, owns Advanced Window Concepts, 795 Commerce Drive, #2, Venice. Detectives learned he cashed a $1,350 check from an Englewood woman in August but did not pull permits and did not start the job.

Baker has been in the Sarasota County Jail since September when the Venice Police Department charged him with a similar crime. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office also filed charges against him earlier this month for taking a $3,500 down payment from a Venice woman in May without pulling permits or installing new windows.

Two Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigate claims against people who engage in contracting work without proper licenses, permits or certification. This partnership with Sarasota County Code Enforcement and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) protects consumers financially, shields them from potential litigation, and ensures their safety, since shoddy work can only be detected during the inspection process.

A first offense usually results in a civil citation by Code Enforcement but subsequent violations lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges.

To check a Sarasota County license call Code Enforcement at 861-6126, and to report someone you suspect is acting as an unlicensed contractor or performing work without a permit call Sarasota County at 861-5000. For more information visit: https://www.scgov.net/DevelopmentServices/Pages/ContractorLicensing.aspx