Nailed it or Failed it! Spotting Construction Fraud

Nailed it or Failed it! Spotting Construction Fraud

Contractor Fraud Exposed | How to Protect Yourself Before You Hire a Contractor Is contractor fraud costing South Florida homeowners thousands of dollars every year? In this eye-opening episode of Gotham Investigations, host Jeffrey Giordano sits down with Alex Cornel, owner of Build Pro Construction, to discuss one of the construction industry's most important issues—contractor fraud and how consumers can protect themselves before signing a contract. From unlicensed contractors and abandoned projects to hidden liens, fraudulent insurance claims, and hurricane-related scams, Alex shares his firsthand experience in the construction industry and provides practical advice every homeowner should know before hiring a contractor. Whether you're planning a renovation, repairing storm damage, or building a new home, this episode offers valuable information to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. 🎙️ Episode Highlights ⏱️ 1:18 – Paying a contractor who never returns ⏱️ 1:30 – Contractors working under someone else's license ⏱️ 1:51 – How to properly vet a contractor ⏱️ 2:25 – Why many complaints never appear on DBPR records ⏱️ 4:00 – Why contractor bonds matter ⏱️ 4:10 – Structuring milestone payments in your contract ⏱️ 4:47 – Protecting yourself with lien releases ⏱️ 6:58 – Workers' compensation insurance requirements ⏱️ 8:23 – What an experienced contractor looks for before hiring another contractor ⏱️ 9:03 – Understanding the purpose of a contractor's bond ⏱️ 9:44 – Hurricane recovery scams and emergency contractors ⏱️ 12:18 – Water mitigation fraud and insurance abuse ⏱️ 13:18 – A major red flag: No contractor license number on the contract ⏱️ 13:47 – Why you should be listed as an additional insured ⏱️ 14:27 – How hidden liens can impact the sale of your property 📞 Featured Guest Alex Cornel Owner | Build Pro Construction ☎️ (305) 397-9372 📧 info@buildprofl.com [info@buildprofl.com] 📢 Connect with Gotham Investigations Jeffrey Giordano 📍 250 NW 23rd Street, Suite 305 Miami, Florida 33127 📞 (305) 710-5222  🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us [https://www.gothaminvestigations.us/] 📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us [jgiordano@gpssecurity.us] 🎙️ Listen & Subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations [https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations] 🎧 Buzzsprout: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com [https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com/] 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4] 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812] 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432 [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432] 📢 Connect with Jeffrey Giordano 📍 250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127 📞 305-710-5222 🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us 📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us 🎧 Listen & Subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations 🎙️ Podcast: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432

You Just Don't know

Martial arts is more than punches, kicks, or physical strength is discipline, sacrifice, and learning how to control the mind under pressure. True Martial arts teaches respect, humility, and accountability. The foundation is built on the choices we make every day, because discipline is not only developed inside a dojo, but through the way we live our lives. Leadership within martial arts is dangerous because true leaders carry the weight of guiding others while standing firm in their principles, even when the world around them changes. Law enforcement shares many of the same principles as martial arts: honor, discipline, and service. But behind the badge is a reality most people never see. Officers sit beside each other during roll call in the morning, laugh, shake hands, and say good morning—never knowing if one of them will be gone before the day ends. One moment someone is standing beside you, and hours later they are in a coffin. The trauma, loss, and emotional burden carried by those in uniform often remains hidden behind a mask they wear for their families and the public. The truth is, life itself is fragile. Whether in martial arts, law enforcement, or everyday life, none of us truly know if we will make it back home. That uncertainty is what should drive people to live with purpose, respect others, and appreciate every moment. Leadership becomes dangerous because leaders willingly place themselves in difficult positions to protect, guide, and inspire others despite knowing the risks. In the end, what matters most is not titles, ranks, or recognition—but the legacy we leave behind and the lives we positively impact before our time is gone. Martial Arts, Leadership, Law Enforcement & Life Philosophy 🥋 Martial Arts Background & Early Inspiration 0:34 – Rene discusses his martial arts background and early training experience 1:53 – “All my life I looked up to Chuck Norris” 2:34 – Foundation is essential in personal development 2:55 – “It’s the choices you make in life and that’s what Karate is all about” 3:41 – “If you expose the human mind, it will develop creativity” 🌎 Race, Instinct & Society 4:43 – Discussion on racial profiling and societal perceptions 5:57 – “It’s not racial profiling, it’s instinct” 6:11 – Discussion regarding reverse racial profiling in South Carolina 6:46 – “In Karate we do not have race” 7:34 – “All lives matter” 8:10 – Reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. and unity: “We will walk together hand in hand” 8:47 – “Leadership is dangerous” 9:38 – “We can come to the middle on everything in life” 👮 Law Enforcement, Qualification & Tragedy 13:45 – “That’s a word that doesn’t exist anymore — qualified” 15:46 – Rene reflects on being a young officer around 22 years old when Bill Craig was killed 16:30 – Discussion about writing the book You Just Don’t Know and the strength and love demonstrated by Bill Craig’s wife 16:44 – “Delion was sitting next to me at roll call at 7:00 in the morning. By 7:00 that night, Delion was in a coffin.” 16:50 – “Broom said good morning. Two hours later, Broom was shot.” 17:18 – “We see this dark cloud all the time, but when we go home, we put on a mask.” 💭 Life, Death & Perspective 19:00 – “I believe there are two phases of death. There’s the physical death, and then the last person in this world dies that knows you.” 19:45 – Discussion on how Rene changed his life around 20:00 – “We just don’t know if we are going to make it back home.” 20:44 – “Now it applies to everyone — you just don’t know.” 🥋 Philosophy of Martial Arts & Leadership 22:01 – “Black belt means a Don — that means you’re a man or a woman” 24:05 – Rene discusses how Chief Timoney believed in him 24:50 – Closing message: “May the spirit of the Martial Arts burn within you and continue     📢 Connect with Jeffrey Giordano 📍 250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127 📞 305-710-5222 🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us 📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us 🎧 Listen & Subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations 🎙️ Podcast: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432

Maniac Latin Disciples Gang Ex Prince "Voices of Change"

🔥 Ex Gang Leader Reveals Truth About Chicago Street Life | From Maniac Latin Disciple Prince to Redemption In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Gotham Investigations with Jeffrey Giordano we sit down with Miguel Maytonese a former Maniac Disciples Ex-Prince  Miguel was surrounded by crime at an early age. What started as survival quickly turned into leadership within a major street organization with tens of thousands of members. He made millions, gained power, and was even rewarded by his environment for criminal behavior. But behind the image of success was a life filled with violence, prison time, and loss. After years of incarceration and living a high-risk lifestyle, everything came crashing down. Miguel found himself homeless after his release from prison, with no direction and no support. It was during this lowest point that he experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus that transformed his mindset, purpose, and future. Introduction / Early Life 00:28 – Grew up in Humboldt Park, west side of Chicago 00:43 – Homicide rate last year over 400 murders 00:50 – When I was living there it was over 800 per year 01:34 – Lost many friends to gang violence 01:46 – Started selling “happy packs” 02:04 – 8 years old is how you start in the streets of Chicago 02:10 – Start as a lookout making $50 a day 02:29 – Once trusted, you move up 02:31 – A happy pack is $200, you make $50 profit Gang Life / Rise to Leadership 03:12 – Symbol meanings and gang culture 03:44 – Nickname: Prince Miguel 04:04 – Gang initiation through violence 05:09 – Became leader in 200005:29 – Multiple prison transfers across Illinois 05:54 – Transfers due to influence and control 06:09 – At peak, over 25,000 members in Chicago 06:33 – Expansion into 40 states 06:51 – Chicago as headquarters of organized crime 06:57 – First prison experience at age 12–13 Family Influence / Conditioning 13:42 – Raised by aunt 14:04 – First theft celebrated with a party 14:15 – GED achievement ignored 14:24 – Rewarded only for criminal behavior Rock Bottom / Transformation 22:59 – Found out two children were not his 23:35 – Net worth reached $4,000,000 24:01 – Emotional breakdown and violent reaction 24:35 – Assaulted two individuals 25:04 – Released February 10, 2020 25:04 – Became homeless for two weeks 25:32 – Realized money was not stolen New Life/Purpose 26:30 – Lives righteously in business and life 26:45 – Runs nonprofit feeding the homeless Message to Youth 27:52 – Question about inner-city youth recruitment 28:21 – Message: be a leader, not a follower 28:40 – True leadership means doing what others won’t 29:36 – Gang life is normalized in Chicago 29:36 – Pressure to join for survival Final Insight / Leadership Reality 30:43 – Story of two different youth paths 31:02 – One with potential vs one trapped in cycle 32:24 – Structure of gang leadership 32:39 – Royal Prince status by bloodline 33:11 – Distance from organization for growth 33:26 – Avoiding regression into old life 33:46 – Refusal to return to violence 33:52 – Could make $100M returning to crime—but chooses not to 34:16 – Emotional control and transformation 📢 Connect with Jeffrey Giordano 📍 250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127 📞 305-710-5222 🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us 📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us 🎧 Listen & Subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations 🎙️ Podcast: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432

Beyond Reasonable Doubt: When Facts Fail in Court

In this gripping episode of our podcast, we dive into the remarkable case of defense attorney Carolle El-Naffy, who faced what seemed like an insurmountable challenge when she represented her client, accused of a high-profile murder. The prosecution’s case appeared ironclad with a myriad of evidence, including fingerprint matches, eyewitness testimony, video, and a motive that painted her client in a damning light. However, Carolle thrived under pressure, employing innovative defense strategies that would ultimately redefine the narrative. She meticulously analyzed each piece of evidence, identifying discrepancies and weaknesses in the prosecution's claims, while also focusing on her client’s character and presenting compelling alternative explanations for the forensic data. Carrolle's strategy hinged on challenging the reliability of eyewitness accounts and the possibility of mistaken identity, drawing on expert testimonies to validate her points. She also introduced the concept of “confirmation bias,” illustrating how investigators may have overlooked crucial evidence that pointed away from her client. By creating a plausible alternative theory of the crime and humanizing her client in front of the jury, Carolle sparked doubt regarding his guilt. In a triumphant climax, her closing arguments left the prosecution pooping in their pants, illustrating how relentless advocacy and an innovative approach can prevail even when the odds seem overwhelmingly stacked against you. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Carrolle's defense strategies, the psychological dynamics at play in the courtroom, and the broader implications for justice in a system often swayed by seemingly indisputable evidence. Carolle El-Naffy, Esq. 305-456-7576 https://elnaffylaw.com Jeffrey Giordano  250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127  305-710-5222 #Jeffreygiordano Jeffrey Giordano Gotham Investigation Links:   Our website https://www.gothaminvestigations.us  * Reach us: jgiordano@gpssecurity.us Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations  * Subscribe to our audio podcast * Podcast Website: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4?si=8UZC2K1ZTlOT0E39laEseQ  * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812  * Amazon Music Podcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano  #Jeffreygiordano Giordano Protection Services/Gotham Investigations  Jeffrey Giordano  250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127  305-710-5222 29: Client 16 charged with murder  42: state had a video of the shooting of client’s face 54: after shooting car jacked another victim and had client’s fingerprint on car  1:05 a witness incarcerated with my client that was a jail house snitch 1:18 said client was part of a gang 1:32 second degree murder but with a firearm  1:37 if someone is found guilty of that it would be life in prison  1:53 he was in custody before he hired me 2:00 we asked for a 10 year offer state rejected 2:14 This was a private case  2:30 I started my career as a Public defender 2:43 The problem is you have so many cases 2:49 A private attorney can focus on each case 2:54 Lets go through some of the evidence and how you were able to get over the hurdles 3:02 Tactics in picking a jury 3:43 was he a documented gang member 4:06 We argued it was a neighborhood group 5:06 One of those local Miami gangs 5:22 Lets get to the car Jacking 5:25 What was the evidence on that 5:30 So they had a gentleman that was a Marine who came to court in his uniform and everything 5:45 He is alleging that two young men came uo to him at gunpoint 5:55 they 📢 Connect with Jeffrey Giordano 📍 250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127 📞 305-710-5222 🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us 📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us 🎧 Listen & Subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations 🎙️ Podcast: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432

"War Zone" The Brutal Face of ICE Enforcement in our Neighborhoods

In this episode of our podcast Gotham Investigations, Immigration attorney Marcia Giordano Hansen, Esq. delivers a stark account of how ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has been terrorizing neighborhoods, painting a vivid picture of fear that grips families as they go about their daily lives. The Venezuelan community in Doral has fears of agents descending on homes, often without warning, dragging away parents while children watch in horror. The attorney describes how this is leaving entire communities shaken and living in a state of constant anxiety. These raids not only disrupt lives but also instill a pervasive sense of vulnerability, as many fear stepping outside their homes or engaging with local services. Marcia further examines the troubling intersection of local law enforcement and federal immigration efforts, revealing how police departments sometimes collaborate with ICE, leading to the arrest of individuals based solely on their immigration status. She shares chilling examples of routine traffic stops escalating into full-scale deportation proceedings, reinforcing a culture of mistrust between immigrant communities and those sworn to protect them. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform in how immigration laws are enforced at the community level. Marcia can be reached at https://immigration-legal-center.com 786-999-8467 Jeffrey Giordano  250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127  305-710-5222 #Jeffreygiordano Jeffrey Giordano Gotham Investigation Links:   Our website https://www.gothaminvestigations.us  * Reach us: jgiordano@gpssecurity.us Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations  * Subscribe to our audio podcast * Podcast Website: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4?si=8UZC2K1ZTlOT0E39laEseQ  * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812  * Amazon Music Podcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano  #Jeffreygiordano Giordano Protection Services/Gotham Investigations  Jeffrey Giordano  250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127  305-710-5222 1:05 Biden administration went to the extreme allowing people in 1:52 what fears have you faced with people coming to your office 1:59 a lot of people hear undergoing processes to get legal status, but they are very fearful 2:44 what should I do what should I say what should I have on me 2:55 a receipt notice that means they have an active immigration case going on 3:04 A person they select that is a citizen with their immigration folder 5:08 we would have prevented deportation there is a value to an attorney doing your paperwork  5:38 Another new thing that is happening now is the government is now sending them invoices in payments in the millions 5:59 They owe $500 a day every day past their deportation order or there visa ended 6:24 a lot of them say ill just leave 6:46 Donald trump with the military on the boarder and going into sanctuary cities  7:27 you recently observed things happening in Kew West 8:05 Getting caught up in a sweep 9:23 Stop and frisk 10:04 At that point you are racial profiling 12:04 Investment fraud 12:31 How fo you handle your investors if they want to invest in the US for their Visas 13:05 Before we begin you have to work with a business attorney 13:45 What is the threshold to invest in the US 13:50 For the EB 5 the one that gets you the green card a little over a million 14:04 for the E2 Visa over $150,000 They will take it seriously 14;20 Why do athletes get a privilege  15:13 either they have to have a gold medal from the Olympics or an Oscar 16:21 What 📢 Connect with Jeffrey Giordano 📍 250 NW 23 Street Unit 305 Miami, Florida 33127 📞 305-710-5222 🌐 https://www.gothaminvestigations.us 📧 jgiordano@gpssecurity.us 🎧 Listen & Subscribe ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gothaminvestigations 🎙️ Podcast: https://gothaminvestigations.buzzsprout.com 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hnowDxfioSOrl6Q5VaTW4 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gotham-investigations-with-jeff-giordano/id1669557812 📦 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3eab5494-b497-43bd-9df5-013ed481e432