STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — An unlicensed contractor in Stuart has been arrested for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting homeowners in a botched kitchen renovation that left them out of pocket $11,000 and unfinished work.
The Stuart Police Department announced on Friday that the incident began in April 2025 when the victims entered a contract with John Pedatella, who claimed to be a licensed contractor.
According to the Police Department, renovations began in May 2025, but by September of that year, the project was still unfinished. The victims reportedly had already paid Pedatella a total of $11,000, only to find the work incomplete and the contractor unresponsive.
Frustrated and seeking answers, the victims reported the incident to the police in February 2026.
See also: ‘You won’t make it out of Martin County’: Fentanyl, firearms seized during traffic stop
Detectives reported launching an investigation, reviewing the contract, communications between the parties involved, and state licensing records.
On Thursday, following their investigation, police, with assistance from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division, arrested Pedatella.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
He now faces charges for engaging in contracting without the required registration or certification.