News Summary
Several Evansville contractors, including Matthew Martin, Eric Morgan, and Jacob and Brooklyn Key, face criminal charges for theft, fraud, and illegal business practices. These allegations include manipulating check processes, unfinished home repairs, and operating without proper licensing. The cases reflect ongoing concerns regarding elder financial exploitation and the risks homeowners face when hiring unlicensed contractors. Authorities continue to investigate these practices as they seek to protect the local community.
Evansville Contractors Facing Multiple Criminal Charges for Theft and Fraud
Evansville, IN — Several local contractors are under investigation and facing criminal charges related to theft, fraud, and other illegal business practices, according to law enforcement officials. The allegations involve a combination of altered checks, incomplete home repairs, operating without proper licensing, and financial misconduct, impacting multiple homeowners in the area.
Matthew Martin and Matthew Martin Construction Charged with Theft and Fraud
Matthew Martin, owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been formally charged with multiple counts of fraud and theft. Authorities allege that Martin targeted an elderly couple with small home repairs, initially earning modest payments of a few hundred dollars. However, investigations reveal that Martin manipulated the check process to steal nearly $10,000 from the couple.
According to reports, Martin instructed the homeowners to leave the payee line on the check blank and to fill in only the numerical amount, leaving the written dollar amount blank. This allowed him to alter the check for a larger sum. Deputies recovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims from Martin’s wallet, further confirming the fraudulent activity.
During questioning, Martin admitted to using some of the stolen funds to take his child to Disney World. A $2,500 bond has been set for Martin, who is also prohibited from contacting the victims as part of the court’s restrictions. The case highlights concerns about elder financial exploitation and the importance of vigilant oversight when dealing with contractors.
Eric Morgan Operates Without Licenses, Mishandles Home Repairs
Another contractor, Eric Morgan, operating under the name Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, faces numerous charges including theft, fraud, and operating without proper licensing. Morgan was hired in October 2023 to perform a room addition and care for the homeowner’s sick mother, for which he received a $25,000 down payment. Over time, the homeowner paid Morgan a total of approximately $152,620.
Despite receiving the payments, Morgan’s work was delayed significantly. When work finally commenced in February 2024, inspectors found that Morgan did not follow the agreed-upon contract terms. Notably, he failed to order the kitchen cabinets paid for, and an unpaid HVAC bill resulted in a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 against the homeowner’s property.
Authorities discovered that Morgan operated without a contractor’s license, insurance, or the necessary building permits. Additionally, a construction permit was submitted under someone else’s name without their knowledge. Investigations suggest that Morgan may be involved in similar fraudulent activities elsewhere in the area.
Morgan’s prior criminal history includes a 2017 federal conviction for Securities Fraud, which resulted in damages estimated around $650,000.
Keys Contracting Owners Charged with Unfinished Work and Financial Misconduct
Contractors Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting, have also been charged with multiple counts of fraud. The Keys were hired by homeowners to repair storm damage following a tornado, receiving advances totaling more than $178,000.
However, the contractors failed to complete the work and left homes in an unfinished state, often exposing homeowners to further damage and security risks. Allegations include poor workmanship, failure to obtain necessary permits, and neglecting contractual obligations. Several victims have initiated civil lawsuits seeking damages for the incomplete and substandard repairs.
The Keys have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following initial court procedures, they have been ordered to avoid contact with the affected homeowners as investigations continue. Authorities indicate ongoing efforts to determine whether the Keys have engaged in similar practices elsewhere and whether additional charges are warranted.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
The case involves multiple law enforcement agencies working together to uncover the extent of illegal practices among local contractors. The suspected involvement of other parties and the history of prior criminal convictions among some contractors raise concerns about ongoing risks to homeowners in the community.
Officials advise residents to exercise caution when hiring contractors, verify credentials, and never leave checks blank or pay large sums upfront without proper contractual agreements. The investigation remains active, and authorities encourage residents to report any suspicious activity related to home repairs or construction projects.
This series of cases underscores the importance of diligent oversight in the home improvement industry and highlights the potential financial and safety risks posed by unlicensed or dishonest contractors.
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Additional Resources
- 14 News: Evansville Contractor Arrested
- Courier & Press: Construction Company Owners Face Fraud Charges
- WEVV: Contractor Accused of Fraud and Theft
- TriState Homepage: Contractor Arrested for Home Improvement Fraud
- Courier & Press: Contractor Stole $150K from Homeowner
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Google Search: Contractor Fraud
- Google Scholar: Contractor Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Google News: Contractor Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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