Contractor arrested for alleged comp premium fraud

The Florida Department of Financial Services announced that the owner of a carpentry contracting firm has been charged with allegedly concealing payroll to avoid paying at least $365,000 in workers compensation premiums.

Zaida L. Ventura, owner of Miami Finish Carpentry, was charged with premium fraud and grand theft.

The department said Friday that it conducted an investigation that uncovered evidence that Mr. Ventura allegedly concealed $1.9 million in payroll resulting in a $365,000 loss for NorGuard Insurance Co.

Mr. Ventura faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted, the department said.

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