In the wake of Hurricane Milton, a chilling betrayal unfolded, targeting some of the most vulnerable members of the Seabreeze Mobile Home Park community. Bradenton Police Department arrested Brian Michaud, a contractor accused of exploiting the desperation of elderly residents left reeling from the storm’s devastation.
Michaud, operating under the name RedFin Construction, now faces a staggering 13 felony charges. The investigation, launched in July 2025 by Detective Michael Carpenter, revealed a pattern of deceit that left fourteen victims, ranging in age from 62 to 95, financially and emotionally scarred.
These homeowners, already burdened by storm damage to their carports, lanais, roofs, and sheds, collectively paid Michaud an astonishing $222,000 in down payments. Yet, despite promises of repair, not a single project was completed, leaving homes exposed and trust shattered.
The investigation deepened, uncovering a disturbing truth: Michaud wasn’t a licensed contractor in Florida. He allegedly operated using another company’s credentials, adding a layer of brazen illegality to his actions.
Financial records paint a damning picture of Michaud’s priorities. Subpoenas revealed a trail of transactions showing he spent over $53,000 at casinos between October 2024 and April 2025. These funds, stolen from vulnerable seniors, were squandered on personal expenses and recreation.
While some purchases appeared construction-related, investigators found no evidence that materials were ever used to benefit the victims. The money simply vanished, fueling a lifestyle built on exploitation.
Michaud is currently held without bond at the Manatee County jail, facing ten counts of presenting a false contractor’s license during a state of emergency, one count of grand scheme to defraud, one count of misappropriating construction funds, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime against an elderly victim.
The Bradenton Police Department continues to investigate, urging anyone with similar experiences involving Michaud or RedFin Construction to come forward and share their story, hoping to uncover the full extent of this devastating scam.
