Volume 5, Issue 17 • April 28, 2023

This week, we released Scams at a Glance: Sink or Swim to help Floridians avoid pool-contractor scams. With summer approaching, many Floridians may try to beat the heat with a new pool.

However, inground pools are expensive home-improvement projects, and if a consumer is not careful, thousands of dollars could be lost to a deceptive or inept pool contractor.

Scams at a Glance: Sink or Swim gives consumers the tools to know how to spot these schemes. Our new resource contains information about common pool-related scams and fraud, including consumer protection tips such as:

• Verify a contractor’s license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation;
• Get multiple estimates, and be cautious of required, large upfront payments;
• Ask to see a contractor’s proof of insurance; and
• Research a company and contractor thoroughly before signing an agreement.

Floridians can file a complaint at DBPR about a bad pool contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com. Report contractor fraud directly to local law enforcement. Civil complaints can be reported to my office by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com.

By knowing how to spot and report pool-contractor schemes, you can protect your money, and help us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.

Attorney General Moody announces new project to give free doorbell cameras to domestic violence survivors, ABC Action News Tampa Bay

AG Moody announces initiative aimed at protecting survivors of domestic violence, CBS 10 Tampa Bay

'Project Protect' offers free doorbell cameras and services to domestic violence victims, FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Ashley Moody, Florida Law Enforcement Groups Launch National Recruitment Effort, Florida Daily

States are moving to restrict 'tranq,' an animal sedative linked to overdoses, WUSF Tampa

Xylazine Threat In FL: Feds Issue Warning Over Fentanyl Mixture, Patch Florida

AG Moody’s Statewide Prosecutors Secure 61-Year Prison Sentence for Man Convicted of Child Exploitation and Bestiality
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 61-year prison sentence for a man convicted on multiple counts of child exploitation, bestiality and sexual battery. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation found Shane Logan Keith used peer-to-peer software to engage in child exploitation. Recovered evidence showed at least 16,000 videos of children as young as only months-old being forced to engage in sexual conduct including bestiality, bondage and sexual battery. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children identified many of these children.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This case is extremely disturbing. As a mother, I am horrified by these terrible crimes—some involving children as young as just a few months old. The defendant also sexually abused animals. I am grateful to our Statewide Prosecutors for ensuring he will remain behind bars for decades.” More.


Attorney General Moody Launches Project Protect to Help Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence Survivors Feel Secure at Home
Attorney General Ashley Moody, law enforcement officials and county Clerks of Court launched a new program in Florida to help human trafficking and domestic violence survivors feel more secure at home. Project Protect provides doorbell cameras to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and sexual violence free of charge. When survivors are seeking protective injunctions against abusers at Clerks of Court offices, trained staff in Hillsborough and Martin counties will now provide information about how to receive the doorbell cameras.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Survivors of horrific crimes such as human trafficking and domestic violence, face traumatic experiences and may be extra wary of strangers and fearful of their abusers coming back to revictimize them. I am launching Project Protect in Hillsborough and Martin counties to help these survivors keep watch over who comes to their homes to provide additional peace of mind.” More.


Attorney General Moody Honors Victim Advocates and Law Enforcement During Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the Distinguished Victim Services Award winners during the Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony. Every year, the Florida Attorney General’s Office recognizes victim advocates and law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist crime victims. Attorney General Moody honored this year’s award winners during a ceremony at the Florida State Capitol.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Our award winners go above the call of duty and service to assist victims of crime and ensure they have the resources and support they need to begin the healing process. It was a pleasure to tell their stories and highlight the great work they do to serve Floridians during their greatest time of need.” More.

This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody recognized the Distinguished Victim Services Award winners during the Crime Victims’ Rights Week Ceremony at the Florida State Capitol. To view photos of the award winners and presentation of the proclamation recognizing National Crime Victims' Rights Week in Florida, click here.

Attorney General Moody speaking to the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Commanders Academy. Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because its leaders support those brave enough to serve.

Attorney General Moody speaking at the Rural Counties Day Reception in Tallahassee.

Attorney General Moody speaking at the Greater Tampa Bay Opioid Summit about the fight to end the opioid crisis.

Attorney General Moody, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Cindy Stuart and local leaders announcing the launch of Project Protect. This new initiative will help survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, stalking and sexual violence feel more secure at home by providing free doorbell cameras.