- September 16, 2026
A Tampa man was arrested after allegedly taking $4,000 from an 88-year-old Palm Coast woman for ductwork that was never completed, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Amjad Otor, 32, was arrested with assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on charges of organized scheme to defraud and theft from a person 65 years of age or older, the Sheriff’s Office said. He was later released from the Broward County Jail on $10,000 bond.
The case began in February when the woman hired a company doing business as Universal Air Duct Cleaning LLC to clean ductwork at her Palm Coast home. Two men arrived in a dark-colored Chevrolet pickup truck without company branding and cleaned part of the system for $500, according to FCSO. The men then told the woman some of her ductwork needed to be replaced and offered to do the work for $5,000.
FCSO identified Otor as one of the men. Investigators said he took $1,000 in cash from the woman and showed her a new piece of ductwork that was supposed to be installed. After later telling her the work had been completed, Otor allegedly collected two additional checks totaling $3,000.
The woman became suspicious and asked her handyman to inspect the work. The handyman determined that no one had been in the attic to replace the damaged duct, FCSO said. When the woman contacted the company and asked that the work she paid for be completed, her calls went unanswered. She reported the alleged fraud in March.
Detectives determined Otor had allegedly given the woman a false name and was the registered owner of the vehicle used during the service call. Investigators also determined that the woman’s checks had been deposited into the company’s bank account.
With assistance from Seniors vs. Crime, a partnership between FCSO and the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the woman had a certified inspector examine the ductwork. The inspector confirmed that the ducts had not been replaced. The woman later identified Otor in a photo lineup as the man she had paid during the service call.
FCSO detectives also worked with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Sheriff’s Office said the department confirmed that Universal Air Duct Cleaning is out of business and does not hold a current license. FCSO also said the company has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau and multiple complaints involving unfinished work.
The company’s owner, Tomer Nahmani, 25, of Altamonte Springs, hired Otor as a subcontractor, according to FCSO. Nahmani is not a licensed contractor.
FCSO detectives obtained a warrant for Otor’s arrest on Aug. 12. The agency’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit worked with Fort Lauderdale police to arrest him without incident.
“This fake AC repair man sold an 88-year-old woman nothing but hot air and took $4,000 for it,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “It is a disgusting low-life that would take advantage of anyone, but especially a senior.”
Staly urged residents to research companies before hiring them and cautioned against paying contractors in cash.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges are pending, FCSO said. Anyone who paid Universal Air Duct Cleaning LLC, Otor or Nahmani for work that was not completed is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.
