COPS: Took Money. Never Obtained Permits.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Boca Raton man is facing a felony charge after allegedly pocketing thousands of dollars for home improvement work he never started. Paulo Rocha, 62, was arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office following a month-long investigation into claims of contractor fraud.
The investigation began in early March of 2025 when a Delray Beach doctor reported hiring Rocha to perform work in his home. According to a probable cause affidavit, Rocha received a total of $4,300 upfront for the project. However, the homeowner grew concerned when Rocha reportedly failed to provide proper credentials or proof of necessary permits required to begin the job.
Detectives say that when the homeowner requested a refund, Rocha only returned $1,500 and promised to pay the remaining $2,800 at a later date. Instead of following through, Rocha allegedly cut off all communication, ignoring phone calls and text messages for several weeks. The victim eventually sent a formal certified letter demanding payment within 30 days, a legal step required before criminal charges can be filed in such cases.
Because Rocha failed to return the funds within that 30-day window, Florida law allows investigators to infer criminal intent. Rocha is now charged with violating the Florida statute which governs how contractors must manage money received for construction services. He was taken into custody on January 15th and released the following day after posting $10,000 bond.
