A Miami-Dade County resident has become the latest victim of a contractor scam after a man allegedly collected thousands of dollars for roofing repairs that were never even started. The case serves as a stark reminder for South Florida homeowners to thoroughly verify credentials before hiring anyone for home improvement projects.
Unlicensed Contractor Arrested After Investigation
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office announced on July 23, 2026, that 56-year-old Gary Jackson was taken into custody following an investigation into fraudulent contracting practices. According to authorities, Jackson had been operating under the business name Metal Roof Masters LLC, presenting himself as a legitimate roofing contractor to unsuspecting homeowners in the area.
The investigation began when the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources received a complaint from a local victim. The woman reported that Jackson had approached her with a professional-looking written contract on February 9, 2026, proposing to repair her entire roofing system for a total of $14,000.
According to deputies, Jackson “presented her with a written contract totaling $14,000.00 to repair the entire roofing system” and subsequently collected a substantial down payment without ever beginning the promised work.
Five days after signing the contract, the victim made an initial payment of $7,800 to Jackson. A subpoena served to JP Morgan Chase Bank confirmed that the check was deposited directly into Jackson’s personal account, where he was listed as the sole authorized person with access to the funds.
Months of Unanswered Attempts to Contact the Suspect
What makes this case particularly troubling is the extended period during which the victim attempted to resolve the situation. Over the course of several months following the initial payment, multiple attempts were made to contact Jackson through various means, including mail and telephone calls. However, investigators report that Jackson never made any effort to reach a resolution or provide restitution to the victim.
A thorough investigation by authorities revealed some alarming findings about Jackson’s credentials, or lack thereof:
- Jackson is not registered as a licensed contractor with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board
- He holds no valid contractor license under Miami-Dade County Construction Trades Qualifying Board records
- He is not authorized to perform contracting work under any state or county statutes or ordinances
- Despite lacking proper licensing, records from the Florida Division of Corporation confirm he is the owner of Metal Roof Masters LLC
The MDSO Special Predator Enforcement Team was responsible for detaining Jackson, who was subsequently transported to the Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He now faces serious criminal charges, including third-degree grand theft and engaging in contracting without a license.
Suspect Was Already Out on Bond at Time of Arrest
Perhaps most concerning to investigators and the community is the revelation that Jackson was already out on felony bond at the time of his arrest in this case. This detail suggests a potential pattern of criminal behavior and raises questions about other possible victims who may not have come forward yet.
As of July 24, 2026, Jackson remains incarcerated at the Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Court documents indicate his bond status, though specific details about his previous felony charges have not been publicly released.
How to Protect Yourself from Contractor Fraud
This case highlights the importance of taking protective measures before hiring any contractor for home improvement work. Experts recommend the following steps to avoid becoming a victim of similar scams:
- Always verify contractor licenses through official state and county databases
- Request references and actually contact previous customers
- Never pay large deposits upfront; legitimate contractors typically request smaller initial payments
- Get multiple written estimates before committing to any contract
- Be wary of contractors who pressure you for immediate payment or decisions
- Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau and local consumer protection agencies
Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Jackson or Metal Roof Masters LLC is encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office or the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources to file a report. Additional victims coming forward could strengthen the case against Jackson and potentially help recover funds for those who were defrauded.
