News Summary
Several local contractors in Evansville are facing serious criminal charges after allegedly exploiting homeowners through deceptive practices. Notable cases include Matthew Martin, who altered checks to steal from an elderly couple, and Eric Morgan, who received over $152,000 for a home addition without completing the work. Another couple, Jacob and Brooklyn Key, is charged for taking funds for storm damage repairs without delivering results. These incidents highlight the importance of vetting contractors thoroughly to protect against potential fraud.
Evansville – Several local contractors are facing serious criminal charges for theft and fraud after allegedly exploiting homeowners, including an elderly couple, through various deceptive practices.
Matthew Martin, the owner of Matthew Martin Construction, is charged with both fraud and theft. Martin reportedly altered a client’s check in a scheme to steal nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple who had hired him for minor repair jobs. The couple initially kept payments under $300 but were shocked when Martin requested they leave the payee line blank and only fill in the numerical dollar amount on the check. Upon investigation, deputies discovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s wallet. Furthermore, Martin has confessed to using some of the stolen money to fund a trip to Disney World for his child. A $2,500 bond has been set for him, and he has been ordered to refrain from contacting the victims.
In a separate but related case, Eric Morgan, who operates under the name Rugged Construction, faces multiple charges of theft and fraud as well. Morgan was hired in October 2023 to build a room addition for a homeowner who needed accommodations for their sick mother. The contractor received a substantial down payment of $25,000; however, the homeowner ended up paying a staggering total of $152,619.72 due to extensive delays. When work finally commenced in February 2024, Morgan ignored numerous contract stipulations, including the ordering of paid-for kitchen cabinets. He also incurred a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 for unpaid HVAC services related to the project. Authorities discovered Morgan was operating without a contractor’s license, insurance, or any necessary building permits, and inspections had not been conducted. Additionally, Morgan submitted a construction permit under another individual’s name without consent. Investigators believe that various regulatory agencies may be pursuing investigations against him for similar allegations. Notably, in 2017, Morgan was convicted in federal court for Securities Fraud, which resulted in approximately $650,000 in losses.
Adding to the list, Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting, have been charged with engaging in fraudulent practices. The Keys stand accused of taking over $178,000 from homeowners for storm damage repairs following a tornado yet failing to complete the assigned work. Allegations against them include leaving homes unfinished and vulnerable to additional damage, performing substandard workmanship, and neglecting to secure necessary permits. Homeowners impacted by their alleged misconduct have initiated civil lawsuits seeking damages. The Keys have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have received orders to avoid contact with the homeowners after their initial court appearances.
Ongoing investigations into the fraudulent activities of these contractors remain active, as authorities examine the breadth of their alleged misdeeds and the impact on local homeowners. Community members are urged to report any suspicious contractor practices to the appropriate agencies to protect themselves from potential financial harm.
As these cases unfold, it serves as a sobering reminder for homeowners on the importance of vetting contractors thoroughly, ensuring they have the appropriate licenses, insurance, and permits. The actions of these contractors have not only led to financial losses for the affected homeowners but also created additional distress for families during challenging times.
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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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
