TAMPA, Fla. — An unlicensed contractor who pleaded guilty in Hillsborough County to charges of stealing from an elderly couple now wants to withdraw his plea, his attorney said during a virtual court hearing on Friday.
For months, 10 Investigates has been tracking multiple cases in Pasco and Hillsborough counties where homeowners say they paid Wallace hundreds of thousands of dollars for construction work he never completed. Other homeowners in New Jersey also reached out alleging Wallace took advantage of them as well.
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In Pasco County, he was found guilty in two cases, sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution. At least one homeowner reported that he missed multiple payments.
In Hillsborough County, Deloris Hilliard said she paid Wallace about $70,000 from money she inherited after her brother’s death, but he never finished the construction job he was hired to do at her Brandon home.
In January, he pleaded guilty, but his new attorney said during a virtual court hearing on Friday he wants to change his plea and be released from jail on bond. A judge was supposed to set his sentencing date today, but a possible change in plea puts that on hold.
“He was misinformed as to the nature of the felony charge and its consequences,” Attorney John Torikashvili said. “Based on that, defendant requests that the sentencing not be set.”
Wallace’s next court date is set for April.
Emerald Morrow is an investigative reporter with 10 Tampa Bay News. Like her on Facebook and follow her on X. You can also email her at emorrow@10tampabay.com.