Residents of Inkster and Romulus were among nine people arrested last week and charges against several unlicensed builders who allegedly stole money through the state unemployment agency.
The police operation was coordinated with Detroit police and other local law enforcement agencies throughout the state and included a statewide warrant sweep resulting in the arrests. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said that some of suspects targeted in the warrant sweep have yet to be apprehended.
According to Nessel, the unlicensed builders came onto the attorney general's radar after complaints were filed through the state licensing agency. Typically, the complaints alleged the contractor failed to do their job or agreed to do work before being discovered as unlicensed, Nessel said.
“I'm thankful to the many law enforcement agencies and officers who made this successful sweep possible, along with the special agents from my department,” Nessel said
“When fraudsters and bad actors harm consumers and Michigan residents, we will pursue justice however and wherever needed,” she added.
Arrested were Maurice Mills, 45, of Inkster, for misdemeanor fraud against the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and Robert Mills, 50, of Romulus, for operating as an unlicensed builder.
Others arrested included: Michael Hill, 66, of Houghton Lake, for operating as an unlicensed residential builder; Darrell Kendrick, 65, of Detroit, for misdemeanor fraud against the UIA; Miroslav Matieska, 49, of Hamtramck, for operating as an unlicensed builder;Eddie Mosely, 54, of Auburn Hills, for misdemeanor fraud against the UIA; Patrice Nolden, 51, of Eastpointe, for misdemeanor fraud against the UIA; Tanya Parker, 48, of Detroit, for misdemeanor fraud against the UIA and Jimmie Turner, Jr., 69, of Berkley, for operating as an unlicensed builder, according to court documents.
