Flagler County Sheriff’s Office officials arrested 43-year-old Michael Struhar on Friday, charging him with grand theft after he allegedly accepted $40,000 from a Palm Coast couple for home renovation work that was never completed. Investigators say Struhar, who operates Sunshine State Contractor Services LLC out of St. Augustine, used the funds to purchase signed baseball cards rather than materials for the job.
The incident began in December 2025 when the couple signed a general service agreement with Struhar. They wired the full $40,000 to him with the expectation that the renovations would be finished within three months. According to the sheriff’s office, Struhar visited the property only once. During that single visit, he removed and painted one wall before leaving and failing to return.
When the homeowners attempted to contact Struhar, their calls and text messages went unanswered. Officials noted that a certified letter demanding a refund was also ignored. The couple reported the situation to law enforcement in April, prompting the General Assignment Unit to open an investigation.
Bank records reviewed by detectives revealed that shortly after receiving the wire transfer, Struhar withdrew approximately $11,500 in cash and debit funds. More than $33,500 was sent via Zelle. Investigators found no evidence that any of the money was used for the homeowners’ project. Instead, recurring charges pointed to an online auction site where Struhar reportedly bought collectible baseball cards. His bank account became overdrawn by the end of December and remained negative for many subsequent months.
Detectives also spoke with Struhar’s ex-wife, who told them that unpaid subcontractors had been visiting her residence since December. She stated that Struhar had texted her claiming the certified letter had been "all good, already taken care of."
The State Attorney’s Office reviewed the evidence and approved an arrest warrant for grand theft of more than $20,000, setting the bond at $50,000. A judge signed the warrant, and the FCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit, along with the Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit, took Struhar into custody. He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and later released after posting the bond.
