Judge Sentences Former Contractor to 10 Years in Prison

Pensacola, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- A former Pensacola contractor has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding homeowners. Thirty-three-year-old Jesse LaCoste was convicted in October of contractor fraud and theft, both second-degree felonies. The judge sentenced him to a decade in prison followed by five years probation and banned him from doing any contracting work during that probation. Authorities say between 2018 and 2022, LaCoste defrauded victims of more than two million dollars. He still faces similar charges in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties with trials scheduled for January and February. LaCoste's brother-in-law, fellow contractor Matt Banks, also faces charges involving five million dollars stolen from over 150 victims.

Citizens Property Insurance Customers Could See Rate Decrease

Tallahassee, FL (Newsradio 92.3) -- Florida's state insurer of last resort is proposing to cut rates for homeowners. The Citizens Property Insurance Board approved a plan for an average 2.6 percent decrease in personal residential policies starting June 1st. Homeowners with multi-peril policies could see an even bigger break-an average 4.1 percent reduction. However, some policyholders may see increases depending on location and policy type. Commercial properties like condominiums would see an average 10.4 percent increase. The rate changes must be approved by the state Office of Insurance Regulation before they take effect.

Escambia County Man Found Guilty of Animal Abuse, Firearm Charge

ESCAMBIA MAN FOUND GUILTY OF ANIMAL ABUSE, FIREARM CHARGE

An Escambia County man has been found guilty of aggravated animal abuse and discharging a firearm on a residential property. Twenty-three-year-old Joseph Henry Broxson shot his neighbor's one-year-old dog named Tank in late December. According to his account, the dogs wandered into his backyard and barked. Broxson went inside to get his gun, then shot at the dogs as they walked past his house in the street. Tank was struck multiple times but made a full recovery. Broxson faces up to five years in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 21st.