A West Palm Beach man was arrested Oct. 5 after Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigators said he took a deposit from a Lake Worth homeowner for a construction job that was never finished.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 72-year-old Carlos Boudet met Yandy Cuellar Cordero, 37, through Facebook Marketplace. The two agreed on a $9,250 project to add onto a shed and replace its roof at Boudet’s property. Cuellar Cordero asked for a 50% deposit, and Boudet paid $4,625 by personal check. The check was cashed soon after, but detectives said no work was done and no materials were delivered.
The affidavit says Boudet tried repeatedly to reach the contractor and then sent a certified demand letter seeking a refund. He never got the money back. Investigators gathered contracts, banking records and surveillance evidence, and Boudet identified Cuellar Cordero from a photo lineup. Detectives also said PNC Bank records tied Cuellar Cordero to the deposit check.
Investigators concluded there was probable cause to charge him with theft involving a victim age 65 or older. Jail records show he was released on bond after his arrest.
