VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida – A New Smyrna Beach contractor has been sentenced to probation and ordered to repay more than $223,000 after prosecutors said he misused customer payments intended for paving projects across Volusia County.
During a hearing on May 27, 2026, 52-year-old Eric Bartolozzi entered a no contest plea to misappropriation of construction funds between $1,000 and $100,000.
Judge Kathryn Weston sentenced Bartolozzi to four years of probation and ordered him to pay $223,348.91 in restitution to 32 victims who cooperated with investigators.
According to prosecutors, Bartolozzi owned Serene Pavers and Stonescaping Inc. in New Smyrna Beach.
Investigators said the company abandoned multiple paving projects throughout Volusia County between 2022 and 2024.
Authorities alleged Bartolozzi transferred customer deposits and project payments from the companyβs bank account into his personal account instead of using the money to complete contracted work or purchase materials.
Investigators said the funds were instead spent on personal expenses, including the purchase of new pickup trucks for himself and his girlfriend.
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The investigation involved multiple agencies throughout Volusia County, including the Daytona Beach Police Department, Edgewater Police Department, New Smyrna Beach Police Department, Port Orange Police Department, Volusia Sheriff’s Office, and other local departments.
Assistant State Attorney Helen Schwartz prosecuted the case.