An Orlando contractor was recently arrested, months after he allegedly exploited an elderly woman who lost her home in a fire and stole over $300,000 from her.

On Friday, May 9, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office announced that 39-year-old Orlando-based contractor Ryan Paul was apprehended in Winter Park, several weeks after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with the exploitation of an elderly victim.

Back in January of 2024, the elderly victim lost her DeLand home after it was destroyed in a fire. Several months later, she received an insurance settlement, and she contacted Paul, according to VCSO.

Paul is the owner of a company called Beacon Restoration, and he spoke with the elderly victim about rebuilding her home so she could spend her remaining years in the same home that she raised her children in.

The sheriff’s office stated that in March of 2024, Paul convinced the victim to give him an advanced payment, via check, in the amount of $239,000. He allegedly told the victim that these funds would be used to “purchase materials” for the home rebuild.

Six months later, Paul allegedly convinced the victim to give him a second check in the amount of $71,000.

According to VCSO, Paul never applied for a building permit, delivered materials, or performed any work on the home. The victim told investigators that she made attempts to contact Paul over a several-month period, but she was unable to reach him.

In early March of 2025, the victim sent an email to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood requesting assistance. She mentioned that she survives on a fixed income of her limited Social Security benefit, and VCSO launched an investigation into the incident.

The following month, a thorough investigation led by detectives with VCSO’s financial crimes unit resulted in a warrant being issued for Paul’s arrest on the following charges: organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of the elderly, and three counts of grand theft.

With assistance from law enforcement agencies in Volusia, Orange, and Seminole counties, Paul was recently located in Winter Park, where he allegedly provided a false name to law enforcement officers.

Paul remains in custody at Orange County Jail while awaiting extradition to Volusia County.