Permit Firm Refutes Fraud Claims Over Retired Architect’s Seal Usage

The Naples permit fraud case has sent ripples through the architectural and engineering communities. It has highlighted critical ethical and legal issues within the industry.

The controversy centers on the misuse of retired architect Gene Cravillion’s seal by multiple firms. This has led to cease-and-desist orders, lawsuits, and an investigation involving local law enforcement and the FBI.

The Allegations: Fraud or Misunderstanding?

ASSA Designs LLC and its owner, Octavio Sarmiento Jr., are at the center of this case. They allegedly used Cravillion’s seal after his retirement in August 2022.

Sarmiento calls this a “misunderstanding,” but others claim it is fraud. Designer David Wainscott has filed a lawsuit against Sarmiento, stating the misuse caused $106,000 in financial losses and harmed his reputation.

The Role of Retired Architect Gene Cravillion

Gene Cravillion, now 91, retired after decades in the industry. Despite his retirement, his architectural seal continued to appear on permits.

Marco Island Police reported its use 76 times, with 49 attributed to Wainscott. ASSA Designs claims Cravillion was still mentally capable of approving designs despite an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, raising ethical concerns about consent and capacity.

A History of Questionable Practices

This case reveals a deeper issue: a pattern of unlicensed activity in the architectural field. Wainscott has a history dating back to 1991, including a $24,000 fine in November 2023 for using a deceased architect’s seal.

Such incidents highlight the need for strict regulations and careful oversight to maintain professional standards.

Cease-and-Desist Orders

The scandal implicated 25 individuals and businesses. Wainscott and Sarmiento are identified as key players.

Cease-and-desist orders have disrupted construction projects in Naples and Marco Island. Homeowners and builders are left scrambling to replace architects and engineers, creating significant challenges.

Permit Review: From Hundreds to Hundreds of Thousands

Collier County officials first identified 400 permits suspected of fraud. The investigation has now expanded to over 200,000 permits dating back to August 2022.

This growth shows the possible scale of unethical practices and the pressure on law enforcement and regulatory bodies.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

The case has drawn attention from Naples Police, Marco Police, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. Their involvement shows how serious this issue is for public trust in construction and architecture.

The Impact on Construction Projects

The fallout is significant for construction projects halted by stop-work orders. Homeowners and builders must hire new architects or engineers to meet regulations.

This disruption causes delays and higher costs, creating stress for everyone involved.

Ethical Lessons for Industry Professionals

This case is a warning for architecture and engineering professionals. Ethical standards must be maintained, including proper use of seals and ensuring individuals are capable of approving projects.

Violating these principles can lead to legal trouble and damage the industry’s reputation.

Moving Forward: Rebuilding Trust

The Naples permit fraud investigation highlights the need to protect integrity in architecture and engineering. Reforms may be needed, such as better verification of retired or deceased professionals’ seals and closer checks on licensing credentials.

Stronger interagency communication could also help prevent future issues.

Steps Toward Industry Healing

As the investigation unfolds, industry organizations and regulatory authorities must act swiftly to restore confidence.

Steps might include:

• Implementing stricter policies for seal usage and project approval.
• Ensuring clarity around consent and retirement.
• Conducting audits of past permits to find unethical practices.
• Strengthening collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in fraud detection and prevention.
• Educating professionals about the consequences of fraudulent behavior.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Permit firm denies fraud in use of retired architect’s seal