The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a St. Augustine contractor on June 27, 2026, after an investigation revealed he accepted $40,000 from a Palm Coast couple for home renovations, completed almost no work, and spent the money on personal expenses, including signed baseball cards purchased through an online auction site. Michael Struhar, 43, owner of Sunshine State Contractor Services, LLC, was arrested by the FCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit and Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit and charged with grand theft of more than $20,000. He was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and released on a $50,000 bond.
According to the FCSO, the victims wired $40,000 to Struhar’s company in December 2025 after signing a General Service Agreement for work to be done on their Palm Coast home. The contract required the work to be completed within three months. Struhar showed up to the property once, removed and painted a single wall, and never returned. The victims’ repeated calls and texts went unanswered, and a certified letter demanding a refund was ignored. The FCSO General Assignment Unit opened an investigation after the victims came forward in April 2026.
A review of Struhar’s bank records told a telling story. Within days of receiving the wire transfer, the account reflected approximately $11,500 in cash and debit card withdrawals and more than $33,500 in Zelle payments — none of which went toward purchasing materials for the victims’ home. Recurring charges were also traced to an online auction site where Struhar had been buying signed baseball cards. By the end of December 2025, the account was already in the negative, a situation that continued nearly every month after. Struhar’s ex-wife told detectives she had been receiving visits from unpaid subcontractors at her home since December. She also shared a text message from Struhar in which he dismissed the victims’ certified letter, saying it was “all good, already taken care of.” Detective Harrington presented the findings to the State Attorney’s Office, which approved an arrest warrant. Judge Distler signed the warrant for grand theft of more than $20,000.
“This contractor’s version of ‘if you build it, he will come’ was build nothing, take the cash, and buy baseball cards,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “He painted one wall and called it a day. Contractors who think they can come to Flagler County and pocket someone’s money should think again. Our detectives will relentlessly track down scammers and thieves posing as honest professionals and take them to the Green Roof Inn.”
The investigation remains active, and detectives believe Struhar and Sunshine State Contractor Services, LLC, may have additional victims in the area. Anyone who has done business with Struhar or his company and believes they were defrauded is asked to contact the FCSO non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.
The FCSO also used the case as an opportunity to remind residents how to protect themselves before hiring a contractor. Homeowners are advised to verify a contractor’s license before signing anything, which can be done through the Flagler Home Builders Association at flaglerhba.com or through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at myfloridalicense.com. Residents should also request proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, contact past customers for references, and get all details in writing, including the full scope of work, payment schedule, start date, and completion date. Reputable contractors typically do not ask for the majority of payment before work begins, and homeowners should avoid paying in cash, instead using a check or card to create a paper trail. Holding back a final payment until all work is completed and permits are closed out, and requesting a lien release with each payment made, are also strongly recommended steps.
The post Contractor Took $40,000 From Palm Coast Couple for Home Renovations, Spent It on Baseball Cards Instead first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
