Trevor Smith

Key Points

• Trevor Smith, a 27-year-old former roofing company salesman from Palm Harbor, Florida, was charged with 11 felony counts related to insurance fraud and defrauding homeowners post-Hurricane Ian.

• All charges were dropped by prosecutors in Manatee County (October 29, 2024) and Hillsborough County (January 30, 2025).

• Smith has filed a federal lawsuit against an investigator from Florida’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), alleging “fabricated facts” led to his arrest and prosecution.

• The lawsuit claims the investigation caused significant personal and professional damage to Smith’s life.

• No customer reviews or direct business affiliations are detailed in the source, limiting insight into Smith’s broader professional network or consumer reputation.

Overview

Trevor Smith is a 27-year-old individual from Palm Harbor, Florida, who worked as a salesman for a roofing company. His professional activities involved engaging with homeowners, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which struck Florida in September 2022. The source does not specify the name of the roofing company or Smith’s exact role beyond sales, nor does it detail his current employment status. Following the dismissal of felony charges against him, Smith has initiated legal action against a state investigator, alleging misconduct in the investigation that led to his arrests.

Allegations and Concerns

• Felony Charges for Insurance Fraud: Smith faced 11 felony charges across three cases in Manatee and Hillsborough counties. The charges stemmed from allegations of defrauding homeowners in the wake of Hurricane Ian, likely related to roofing contracts or insurance claims.

• Dropped Charges: Prosecutors in Manatee County dismissed their case on October 29, 2024, and Hillsborough County followed suit on January 30, 2025, dropping two additional cases. No specific reasons for the dismissals are provided in the source.

• Lawsuit Against Investigator: Smith filed a federal lawsuit against a veteran investigator with Florida’s DFS, Perrault, who has 27 years of law enforcement experience and has been with DFS since 2019. The lawsuit claims Perrault “fabricated facts” that led to Smith’s prosecution, causing significant disruption to his life.

• No Response from Defendant: As of April 28, 2025, Perrault had not filed a response to the lawsuit, and his legal team did not respond to requests for comment or interviews.

Customer Feedback

The provided source does not include direct customer reviews or feedback about Trevor Smith’s work as a roofing salesman. There are no specific quotes or examples from homeowners or clients regarding his services, professionalism, or conduct. The absence of consumer feedback limits the ability to assess Smith’s reputation among customers.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: The dropped felony charges and ongoing lawsuit may impact Smith’s professional reputation, particularly in industries requiring trust, such as sales or contracting. Public perception of his involvement in alleged fraud could linger despite the charges being dismissed.

• Legal Risk: Smith’s federal lawsuit against the DFS investigator introduces uncertainty. If the lawsuit fails, he may face financial burdens from legal fees. Conversely, a successful lawsuit could lead to compensation but may also prolong public scrutiny.

• Financial Risk: The source does not provide details on Smith’s current financial status, but the legal battles and prior arrests likely imposed financial strain, including legal costs and potential loss of employment opportunities.

• Professional Risk: Without clarity on Smith’s current employment or business affiliations, his ability to secure future roles in sales or related fields may be hindered by the public record of his charges and lawsuit.

Business Relations and Associations

• Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS): The DFS, through its investigator Perrault, was directly involved in the investigation leading to Smith’s charges. The agency is responsible for regulating insurance and financial services in Florida, and its actions are central to Smith’s lawsuit.

• No Named Employer: The source does not identify the roofing company Smith worked for, nor does it mention other business partners, colleagues, or professional associations.

• Legal Representation: Smith is represented by a legal team in his federal lawsuit, though specific attorneys or firms are not named in the source.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Federal Lawsuit: Smith’s lawsuit against DFS investigator Perrault is ongoing in federal court, claiming the investigator fabricated evidence leading to his wrongful arrest and prosecution. The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain as of April 28, 2025.

• Dismissed Felony Charges: The dismissal of 11 felony charges across two counties (Manatee and Hillsborough) suggests potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, though specific reasons are not disclosed.

• No Bankruptcy or Debt Records: The source does not mention any bankruptcy filings, unpaid debts, or other financial concerns directly tied to Smith.

• Potential Financial Strain: Legal proceedings, including defending against felony charges and pursuing a federal lawsuit, likely involve significant costs, though no specific figures are provided.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Trevor Smith’s case highlights the complexities of navigating legal and reputational challenges following high-profile allegations. The dismissal of all 11 felony charges suggests that the evidence against him was insufficient or flawed, supporting his claim of a “faulty investigation.” His decision to file a federal lawsuit against the DFS investigator indicates a proactive effort to clear his name and seek redress for damages, but it also prolongs his exposure to public scrutiny. The absence of customer feedback or detailed business affiliations makes it difficult to fully assess his professional standing or the broader impact of the allegations.

Pros:

• All felony charges were dropped, potentially strengthening his lawsuit’s claims of misconduct.

• The lawsuit demonstrates Smith’s willingness to challenge perceived injustices, which could resonate positively with future employers or clients valuing resilience.

Cons:

• The public record of felony charges, even if dropped, may create lasting reputational damage.

• The ongoing lawsuit carries financial and emotional costs, with no guaranteed outcome.

• Lack of transparency about his current professional status or employer limits insight into his recovery prospects.

Cautionary Advice: Individuals or businesses considering working with Smith should verify his current professional status and seek additional references or reviews not available in the provided source. The ongoing lawsuit suggests potential for further developments, so monitoring court outcomes is advisable. Those engaging with Smith should also consider the reputational risks of associating with someone linked to high-profile fraud allegations, even if unproven.

Key Citations

• Business Observer: “Florida man sues state investigator after 11 felony charges dropped,” April 30, 2025.

• No additional reviews, consumer feedback, or databases (e.g., BBB, Yelp) were referenced in the source or found in related search results