Orange City woman arrested again for scamming hurricane victims, state officials said
The office of Chief Financial Officer
Bruce attempted to steal more than
According to information from Patronis' office, investigators discovered that Bruce approached homeowners whose homes sustained roof and interior damages from the storm. Bruce then told the homeowners that she was an "independent claims adjuster" who could negotiate settlements with insurance companies. Bruce required the homeowners to pay
However, Bruce is not a licensed attorney, public adjuster or a general contractor, state officials said.
Bruce then submitted fraudulent cost estimates for roofing work to the insurance company.
Bruce was arrested and booked into the
In January, following Hurricane Irma on
Bruce would submit an adjusted claim to the insurance company, doubling the original cost estimates submitted previously. If the insurance company refused to pay the increased adjusted amount, Bruce would then place a lien on the homeowner's property, investigators said.
In the January incident, Bruce was charged with being an unlicensed public adjuster and of filing a false and fraudulent lien. State investigators said that if Bruce is convicted for the January offense, she faced up to ten years in prison.
On Monday, state officials also said Bruce faces a similar sentence if convicted in this second offense.
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