Hoch released on total bond of $135,000
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Todd Aaron Hoch, 45, of 791 Percheron Circle in Nokomis — owner of Sash and Sill LLC — on 27 charges “following a comprehensive year-long investigation into construction fraud,” the agency announced on Aug. 29.
Hoch initially was being held without bond, his jail booking record showed. Subsequently, in conjunction with his first court appearance — on Aug. 29 — his bond was set at $5,000 per count, for a total of $135,000. He was released on bond on Aug. 30, his jail record says.
A Sheriff’s Office news release notes, “Hoch faces 17 counts of larceny for failing to refund the excess value of work between $1,000 and $20,000, five counts of larceny for failing to refund excess work value between $20,000 and $200,000, and five counts of embezzlement for misapplication of construction funds valued between $1000 and $100,000.”
His arraignment is set for Sept. 26, The Sarasota News Leader learned.
“Beginning in July 2024, detectives investigated allegations involving more than 30 victims who reported fraudulent activities tied to Hoch’s business,” the news release explains. “The victims collectively signed contracts ranging from approximately $6,900 to $73,000 for window and door replacement services,” the release adds. “More than half of the victims made down payments but received no services while others whose projects were completed were later burdened with property liens due to unpaid material costs by Hoch,” the release points out. “Some were forced to make additional payments to vendors to finalize work and clear the property liens,” it says.
During a review of 12th Judicial Circuit Court cases involving Hoch, the News Leader found a document in a small claims case against him — filed by a Sarasota couple in July 2024 — that said Hoch and Sash & Sill LLC filed for bankruptcy under Title 11 of the U.S. Code on Aug. 14, 2024.
Arrest warrants issued for the construction fraud cases were designated “Protected” when the News Leader checked the Circuit Court docket this week. That means the materials are unavailable for public viewing.
“The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting residents from fraudulent practices and encourages anyone with further information to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900,” the news release adds.