TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Three years have passed, yet customers of the now-defunct AVCO Marine Construction express concerns over the slow progress of an ongoing criminal investigation. They are uncertain if they will ever see accountability.
The Hudson-based company was first exposed by a Better Call Behnken investigation into unfinished work.
Public documents show the owner testified that customers lost about $1.3 million in boat docks and lifts they didn’t receive.
In October 2022, owner Ed Avella filed to liquidate the company.
In August 2023, amid investigations by the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Avella surrendered his license as part of a settlement to resolve cases against him.
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office reported it handed over the criminal investigations to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. However, frustrated customers claim that whenever they seek updates, they are merely informed that the investigations are still “ongoing.”
This week, 8 On Your Side Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken received confirmation from a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson that they maintain an “active investigation” aiming for a conclusion shortly.
Avella has consistently declined to comment over the years. During a deposition for a civil lawsuit, when questioned about the whereabouts of the money, he claimed it was used for customers’ work and company expenses.
While some customers have been reimbursed by the state’s Construction Recovery Fund, others reported either a lack of response or were informed they did not qualify, as the project wasn’t at their “primary” residence.
