5 Shocking Facts About The Ryan Matthew Paul Manhunt: Orlando Contractor Wanted For $310k Elderly Scam

The search for Ryan Matthew Paul continues to be one of the most high-profile manhunts in Central Florida, dominating local news headlines as of December 10, 2025. The 39-year-old Orlando contractor is currently wanted on serious felony charges stemming from an alleged massive financial scheme targeting an elderly resident in Volusia County. This case has drawn significant attention not only due to the scale of the alleged theft—estimated to be around $310,000—but also because of the particularly vulnerable nature of the victim.

The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has issued a warrant for Paul's arrest, and authorities are actively seeking the public’s help to locate him. The charges against him—grand theft, scheme to defraud, and exploitation of the elderly—carry severe penalties under Florida law. This article breaks down the essential facts, the professional background of the accused, and the legal context surrounding this disturbing contractor fraud case.

Biography and Professional Profile of Ryan Matthew Paul

The individual currently wanted by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Ryan Matthew Paul, is primarily identified by authorities as a contractor operating out of the Orlando, Florida, area. His alleged actions have placed a harsh spotlight on the risks of contractor fraud, especially when targeting senior citizens.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Full Name: Ryan Matthew Paul
• Age: 39 years old (as of the warrant date in April 2025)
• Primary Residence: Orlando, Florida
• Profession: Contractor/Construction Services
• Known License Detail: Records indicate a past license (#MRSR3748) with the Florida contractors license board, although the current status is unconfirmed in light of the allegations.
• Current Status: WANTED (Fugitive) by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office
• Primary Charges: Grand Theft, Scheme to Defraud, and Exploitation of the Elderly
• Alleged Victim Location: DeLand, Volusia County, Florida

The Alleged $310,000 Scheme to Defraud

The core of the case against Ryan Matthew Paul revolves around a devastating situation involving an elderly woman in DeLand, Florida. The victim had tragically lost her home in a fire and was in desperate need of a reliable contractor to manage the extensive rebuilding process.

Authorities allege that Paul exploited this vulnerable situation. The victim, who was already dealing with the trauma of losing her home, entrusted Paul with a substantial amount of money for the construction work.

The Mechanism of the Alleged Fraud

The scheme, as described by the Volusia Sheriff's Office, involved Paul allegedly taking a significant sum of money—reported to be in the range of $300,000 to $310,000—for work he either failed to perform or left substantially incomplete.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

This type of contractor fraud is particularly insidious, as it preys on individuals during a time of crisis. The elderly victim was left with no home and a massive financial loss, leading to the severe charges filed against Paul.

The warrant for Paul's arrest was officially issued in April 2025, triggering a multi-county search and public appeals from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office for information leading to his apprehension.

5 Key Details Driving the Ryan Matthew Paul Manhunt

The case of Ryan Matthew Paul is a stark reminder of the legal and ethical lines crossed in cases of elder exploitation. Here are five essential facts that define the current status of the manhunt and the severity of the charges.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

1. The Charges Are High-Level Felonies

Ryan Matthew Paul is wanted on three major charges: Grand Theft, Scheme to Defraud, and Exploitation of the Elderly. In Florida, the penalties for financial exploitation of the elderly are steep and directly tied to the amount of money involved.

Since the alleged stolen amount exceeds $50,000, the exploitation charge alone can be classified as a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in state prison and significant fines.

2. The Victim Was Exploited After a Fire

The element of exploitation is amplified by the circumstances surrounding the victim. The elderly DeLand resident was already facing a crisis, having lost her home in a fire. Paul allegedly entered this situation under the guise of providing repair services, only to compound the victim's disaster with financial ruin.

This predatory behavior is the reason the charge of "Exploitation of the Elderly" is considered one of the most serious in the case. Florida Statute § 825.103 specifically targets those who take advantage of a person over the age of 60.

3. The Search is Multi-County

While Ryan Matthew Paul is an Orlando resident and the warrant originated from Volusia County, the search is not confined to a single jurisdiction. Reports indicate a multi-county effort is underway to locate him, suggesting he may have fled the immediate Central Florida area.

The Volusia Sheriff's Office has been utilizing public channels and media outlets to disseminate Paul's information, highlighting the urgency of his capture and the need to bring justice to the victim.

4. The Case Highlights a Broader Issue of Contractor Fraud

Paul's case serves as a critical warning about the prevalence of contractor fraud in Florida, particularly post-disaster. The state has long struggled with unlicensed or fraudulent contractors who target vulnerable populations, especially senior citizens who may be less equipped to scrutinize contracts or verify licenses.

The large sum of $310,000 allegedly stolen underscores the financial devastation these schemes can cause, often wiping out a lifetime of savings. The Volusia Sheriff's Office’s aggressive pursuit of Paul signals a strong commitment to prosecuting these types of financial crimes.

5. Paul's Current Status is Still 'WANTED'

As of late 2025, Ryan Matthew Paul remains at large. His status is officially "WANTED," and law enforcement has made it clear that they are actively seeking information from the public. The case remains open and highly active, with authorities urging anyone who knows Paul’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.

The resolution of this manhunt is highly anticipated, as it will determine the next steps in what has become a landmark case of alleged financial exploitation against a senior citizen in Central Florida.