08/09/2023
THE REAL STORY.
DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ANTHONY JOHN SOTTILARE JR WAS “SABATOGED??”
Hurricane Michael Fraud: Public Adjuster Kenneth Browne of Publicadjusters.com out of Boynton Beach has pled no contest to three counts of Grand Theft in connection with a scheme to defraud a homeowner for repairs to his Marianna home that largely never took place following 2018’s Hurricane Michael. The 78 year-old victim had sought help with his State Farm insurance claim and signed a contract with Brown, who then introduced him to Anthony John Sottilare Jr., who turned out to be an unlicensed contractor from Plant City. The State Farm adjuster estimated damage at $59,627 yet authorities found 31 checks had been made payable from the victim’s bank account to either Brown or Sottilare totaling $242,000. Months later, when little or no repairs had been made, the victim demanded a refund to no avail.
Florida law states that a public adjuster may not participate, directly or indirectly, in the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim they are adjusting. Both Browne and Sottilare have been sentenced to five years of probation and each ordered to repay the victim $126,000 in restitution, plus 100 hours of community service. Browne’s Florida Public Adjuster license was temporarily suspended last summer. Although no valid license is currently listed, Browne’s website remains active, specifically soliciting Louisiana business, yet stating he is licensed and bonded in the state of Florida.
Ken Browne and his team at PublicAdjusters.com are professional insurance adjusters who are expert in evaluating catastrophic losses and are available to assist you in the resolution of property damage claims and help you get the maximum claim settlement from your insurance company.
