Bradenton business owner scammed customers, spent money gambling, police say
Police say a Bradenton business owner faces felony charges after he misused customer payments to gamble and go traveling.
Jeremy Demers, 45, owner of Gulf View Windows and Doors, is charged with misappropriating construction funds of $100,000 or more and scheming to defraud $50,000 or more following a nearly year-long investigation by the Bradenton Police Department, according to a news release. Both charges are first-degree felonies.
The business was formerly located at 2620 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Police say Demers took over operations in early 2023 after he inherited it from a family member who died.
Police say they began to investigate Gulf View Windows and Doors in April 2024 after local construction companies reported that the business was failing to fulfill orders.
Bradenton business scammed customers, police say
The Buky Construction and Easton Construction companies told police that between October 2023 and March 2024, they paid Gulf View Windows and Doors a combined $792,383 for products they never received, resulting in liens on their properties.
Investigators said Demers placed the orders but never paid the manufacturer. Instead, police say he transferred the money into at least 21 personal and business accounts at financial institutions including Bank OZK, SoFi, Fifth Third Bank and American Express.
Between August 2023 and November 2024, detectives said Demers moved customer payments out of Gulf View’s accounts and into others under his control, including a payroll company account he used to withdraw money. Police said he also handled a $1 million life insurance payout the same way.
Business owner charged with fraud
Detectives say Demers used customers’ money for personal expenses, including digital currency investments, nearly $20,000 in airline tickets and more than $200,000 in gambling. He also made several ATM withdrawals at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and charged spa treatments, meal and gift shop purchases to company funds, according to investigators.
Police say they obtained an arrest warrant for Demers in March and arrested him Tuesday after he met with detectives at police headquarters.
Police are continuing the investigation. Anyone with a similar complaint involving Gulf View Windows and Doors can contact Detective Michael Carpenter at michael.carpenter@bradentonpd.com.
