News Summary
Several contractors in Evansville are under investigation for serious charges including theft, fraud, and improper business practices. Allegations include altering checks, taking money without completing work, and operating without licenses. Local authorities are examining these cases closely, with multiple individuals like Matthew Martin and Eric Morgan implicated. As investigations continue, homeowners are advised to verify contractor credentials and contracts to avoid falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
Evansville Faces Multiple Legal Actions Against Local Contractors for Theft and Fraud
Evansville, Indiana — Several local contractors are facing serious criminal charges related to theft, fraud, and improper business practices. Authorities have announced multiple investigations into allegations that include altering checks, taking large sums of money without completing work, operating without proper licensing, and engaging in deceptive practices.
Matthew Martin of Matthew Martin Construction
Matthew Martin, owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been formally charged with fraud and theft. The charges stem from an incident involving an elderly couple who initially hired Martin to perform small home repair jobs, typically under $300. According to reports, Martin requested the couple to leave the payee line of a check blank and to fill in the numerical amount, while leaving the written dollar amount blank. He then allegedly altered the check to unlawfully withdraw nearly $10,000 from their account.
Deputies investigating the case found two additional blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s wallet, indicating a pattern of deception. During questioning, Martin admitted to using some of the stolen funds to take his child to Disney World. As a result, he has been ordered to not contact the victims and was released after posting a $2,500 bond.
Eric Morgan and Rugged Construction
Another individual charged is Eric Morgan, operating under the business Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction. Morgan was hired in October 2023 to build a room addition and care for the homeowner’s ill mother. The job contract involved a $25,000 down payment and a total project cost of over $152,600. However, delays in starting work, which finally began in February 2024, led to numerous issues.
Authorities allege that Morgan did not follow contractual obligations, failed to order paid-for kitchen cabinets, and accumulated a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 against the homeowner for unpaid HVAC services. Morgan also operated without a valid contractor’s license, insurance, or proper building permits. Further investigation revealed that a permit for the project was filed under someone else’s name without their knowledge. Multiple agencies are investigating Morgan for similar allegations of misconduct.
It is also noted that Morgan had a prior conviction in 2017 for Securities Fraud, which resulted in approximately $650,000 in losses. This history raises concerns about ongoing illegal activities in his current operations.
Keys Contracting and Unfinished Storm Damage Repairs
The owners of Keys Contracting, Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, are also under investigation for fraudulent business practices. The Keys are accused of taking over $178,000 from homeowners following storm damage caused by a tornado. Instead of completing the repairs, the homeowners allege that the Keys left several homes unfinished and susceptible to further damage.
Furthermore, the contractors faced accusations of poor workmanship, failing to obtain necessary permits, and neglecting to follow through with agreed-upon repair work. Several homeowners have initiated civil lawsuits seeking damages for incomplete work and associated losses. The Keys have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been ordered not to contact the affected homeowners as the legal processes continue.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The authorities have indicated that the investigation into these contractors is ongoing. They are actively examining whether other local businesses or individuals are involved in similar schemes. No additional details on potential charges have been released, but officials emphasize their commitment to addressing unlicensed and fraudulent activity in the construction industry.
These cases highlight the importance of verifying contractor credentials, obtained permits, and contractual terms before engaging professional services. Consumers are advised to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of contractors to prevent falling victim to similar schemes.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities aim to hold accountable those who have engaged in theft and fraud, ensuring protections for homeowners and fair practices within the local construction sector.
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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
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
