Donica Stephens took thousands for unfinished remodeling job, police say

Unlicensed contractor accused of scamming 71-year-old man out of more than $46,000

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A South Florida man is accused of bilking a customer out of thousands of dollars for remodeling work he never finished.

Donica Stephens is facing charges of grand theft, scheme to defraud and operating as unlicensed contractor.

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North Miami Beach police said Stephens scammed more than $46,000 from a 71-year-old man.

Police said Augustin Senecharles signed a contract for remodeling work and gave Stephens a $6,000 deposit in December 2011. Police said Stephens began the work as promised, but he later told him it would cost more than expected and received additional payments from Senecharles.

The work came to a halt in June 2012, but Senecharles was unable to get in touch with Stephens to finish the job, police said.

In May 2013, Senecharles filed a complaint with Miami-Dade County.

Police said it was revealed that Stephens was not a licensed contractor in Miami-Dade County or Florida.