MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Additional victims are coming forward following a Local 10 News report earlier this week on a scammer posing as a licensed contractor.
Ronaldo Cuhna wanted to remodel his kitchen and bathroom and install a pool for $88,000.
He gave a 20% deposit -- more than $17,000 -- to Mike Martinez in December of 2022.
In 2024, Cuhna filed a lawsuit against Martinez and a judge awarded him $52,000, but he’s received exactly zero dollars.
“Because we can’t find the man,” Cuhna said.
Police can’t find him either.
On Tuesday, Local 10 News reported on El Portal police searching for Martinez due to another alleged victim.
Ian McKenzie wanted to remodel his kitchen, so he thought he got a licensed contractor. Instead, it was Martinez.
“He took my money and never completed anything,” said McKenzie.
Police held up Martinez’s photo, appealing to the public in hopes of someone recognizing him and alerting cops.
“We do have probable cause for an arrest,” said El Portal police Sgt. Renee Gutierrez.
The situation brings Cunha to tears.
“We didn’t even have a picture. You see how naive we were at that time,” he said. “That’s why I wanted to cry. It’s dreams he destroyed for many families, and that’s not fair. I’m sorry about it. He has to go to jail and pay for it.”
Cuhna said Martinez lied to him about having a license.
Anyone who recognizes Martinez and has information on his whereabouts is urged to call El Portal police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.