For Immediate Release
October 4, 2016
 
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Tracy Joseph Hoffman, 54, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fraudulent billing activities. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Hoffman in August 2015 charging him with grand theft and aggravated white collar crime. 
A joint investigation by FDLE and Florida Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General shows Hoffman, owner of Gator Signage and Striping, LLC, bilked the state for over $49,000 through the scheme by charging for work not performed and materials that were never provided. 
Also arrested was James Michael Lee, a former FDOT special projects coordinator who managed Hoffman’s contract.  FDLE Agents say Hoffman submitted fraudulent invoices to Lee who approved and forwarded them for payment.  Earlier this year, Lee was found guilty of criminal use of a public record and was ordered to pay $50,000 restitution.
Hoffman was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by 11 years of probation and reimbursement of investigative costs.