Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced charges against Seth Bloom of Sarasota for orchestrating a construction fraud scheme that defrauded at least 13 victims across seven Florida counties, resulting in losses exceeding $3 million. During Bloom’s arrest and the execution of a search warrant, investigators discovered a large cache of firearms and ammunition, despite Bloom being a convicted felon.
“This fraudster took advantage of Floridians, and this criminal behavior won’t be tolerated,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our Statewide Prosecutors and the Sarasota Police Department, a convicted felon is off the streets, a massive illegal arsenal is dismantled, and Florida families are safer for it.”
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche commented on the case: “This case is a testament to the hard work and coordination of our detectives and partner agencies. What started as a financial crime investigation led to the removal of a significant number of illegally possessed firearms from our community. It’s another example of our department’s commitment to protecting victims and pursuing justice at every level.”
Bloom faces multiple felony charges including scheme to defraud, misuse of construction funds, grand theft, wire fraud, forgery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The joint investigation involved the Sarasota Police Department, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Law enforcement seized 64 firearms (14 handguns and 50 rifles/long guns), over 10,421 rounds of ammunition in more than fourteen different calibers; computers; business records; and additional evidence linked to the fraud.
Bloom was arrested on June 25, 2025, and is currently held in Sarasota County Jail. The investigation remains active. Individuals who believe they may have been defrauded by Seth Bloom are encouraged to contact the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (941) 263-6070.
