Fla. Contractors Charged with Paying Illegal Workers off the Books

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said it has filed workers' compensation fraud charges against two Jacksonville construction contractors, alleging they hired illegal workers and avoided paying more than $300,000 in workers' compensation premiums.FDLE said Jesus Alberto Montanez, 45, and Obed Luis Estrada, 37, were arrested Thursday and charged with insurance fraud. Montanez also was charged under the state racketeering law.Montanez owns Montanez Builders in Jacksonville, and Estrada owns L&G Drywall. The Florida Times-Union reported that bail was set for $150,000 fo...