Florida kitchen remodeler arrested over $36,875 job, then hit with a second homeowner's lawsuit

The first homeowner signed a $38,700 contract on April 23 and was told work would start five to six weeks later, according to the sworn arrest-warrant statement reported by Wealth of Geeks. Demolition started July 28, and the company's crew was last on site Aug. 20. When the homeowner went to deputies on Oct. 2, the company had collected $36,875. A plumbing subcontractor, Justin the Plumber LLC, had not been paid, although the homeowner had already covered the plumbing; the plumber agreed to wait and not file a lien, the homeowner told investigators. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office made the arrest.

The warrant lists grand theft of $20,000 to under $100,000 and misapplication of construction funds, with bond of $5,000 on each count. Under Florida Statute 713.345, a contractor who is paid on a job must use that money for what is already owed for labor and materials on that job. Knowingly failing to do so is a felony, second degree when the amount is between $1,000 and $100,000. The owner has not been convicted; the charges are allegations.

The Oct. 30 civil complaint says the second homeowner paid a $14,750 deposit plus $5,900 for countertops. It accuses the company, its owner and a second individual of fraud, civil theft, breach of contract and contracting without a license, argues the company had no licensed qualifying agent, and asks for $61,950 in treble damages. No court has ruled on it. Detectives are asking other customers to contact Detective Robert Maloney at the county sheriff's office.