NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – The owner of a fencing company in New Port Richey, Pasco County, was arrested after allegedly accepting money from a grant-funded project but failing to complete the work. According to the New Port Richey Police Department, detectives were informed that a City of New Port Richey grant for $3,972.08 was awarded to a local resident, but the work was never done.
The arrest was made on January 15, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, at 4217 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, Florida. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Michael Johnson, owner of “Johnson’s Fencing” in New Port Richey, was taken into custody without incident. Police said Johnson had accepted the grant money but did not fulfill his obligations, leaving the project incomplete.
The City of New Port Richey’s grant program is designed to support local residents and businesses with various projects, including home repairs and improvements. In this case, the grant was intended to fund a specific fencing project, but Johnson’s failure to complete the work has left the resident who received the grant in a difficult situation.
Johnson is facing charges of theft and fraud. He is being held at the Pasco County Jail on $5,000 bond. Anyone with information about similar scams or who has been affected by Johnson’s business practices is encouraged to contact the New Port Richey Police Department at (727) 264-8900.
Originally reported by WFLA – Pasco County
Sources: WFLA – Pasco County
