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Key Information
- Suspect: Seth Andrew Bloom, 33
- Charges: Scheme to defraud, misapplication of construction funds, grand theft over $100,000, wire fraud, and forgery
- Victims: 13 individuals, defrauded of over $3 million
- Firearms Seized: 64 firearms (14 handguns and 50 rifles/long guns) and over 10,400 rounds of ammunition
- Locations: Crimes spread across Sarasota, Manatee, Pasco, Hillsborough, and St. Lucie counties
- Bail: Set at over $3 million
- Next Hearing: Scheduled for July 25
A Sarasota man has been charged in what police describe as a multi-county construction scheme that defrauded 13 victims of over $3 million. Authorities indicate that during his arrest, they uncovered 64 firearms and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition that were in his possession.
Seth Andrew Bloom, 33, faces charges including scheme to defraud, misapplication of construction funds, grand theft exceeding $100,000, wire fraud, and forgery, as detailed in the probable cause affidavit.
Upon executing a search warrant, officials reported discovering an extensive cache of 64 firearms, which comprised 14 handguns and 50 rifles/long guns. Additionally, there were over 10,400 rounds of ammunition across more than 14 calibers, resulting in charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Evidence tied to the fraudulent activities, including computers and business records, was also found. Notably, 56 guns and a significant quantity of ammunition were located in Bloom’s office at 2 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 314.
“What began as a financial crime investigation culminated in the removal of a significant number of illegally possessed firearms from our community,” stated Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche. “It underscores our commitment to safeguarding victims and pursuing justice at all levels.”
Bloom, identified in the affidavit as the proprietor of Calderoni Trucking LLC, operating as CC Civil, is accused of accepting funds from various firms throughout Florida and failing to fulfill contracted work, which included tasks like ground clearing and lot development for residential projects. Allegations further suggest that he neglected payments for construction materials, equipment, subcontract labor, and even his employees’ wages. The fraudulent acts reportedly extended across several counties, including Sarasota, Manatee, Pasco, Hillsborough, and St. Lucie.
Seth Andrew Bloom
On March 15, it was reported that Calderoni Trucking LLC was evicted from its office for failing to pay over $28,000 in rent for the first quarter of the year. During the search on June 25, officers noted *in plain view on the office walls more than 40 assault-style rifles, all equipped with suppressors.*
Further investigation into Bloom’s finances revealed minimal construction-related expenses on his CC Civil platinum American Express card. Instead, records indicated he spent tens of thousands of dollars within three months on luxury items such as jewelry, firearms, and entertainment, including visits to bars and clubs.
Bloom, who is embroiled in multiple civil lawsuits initiated by the companies he is accused of defrauding, was apprehended on June 25 during a traffic stop on Fruitville Road at Washington Boulevard, as reported by the Sarasota Police Department.
A judge has set his bail at more than $3 million, with Bloom remaining in custody as of June 30. His arraignment is slated for July 25, according to available records.
“This fraudster exploited Floridians, and such criminal conduct will not be tolerated,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the exceptional work by our statewide prosecutors and the Sarasota Police Department, a convicted felon is off the streets, a significant illegal arsenal has been dismantled, and Florida families are safer as a result.”
This story has been updated to correct an old address for Bloom and clarify where the weapons were recovered.
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Article original publish date: 2025-06-30 07:00:00
Article source: www.businessobserverfl.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.businessobserverfl.com