News Summary
Several contractors in Evansville face serious charges for fraud and theft. Notably, Matthew Martin is accused of altering checks to steal from an elderly couple, while Eric Morgan failed to complete a $152,000 home addition project after receiving payment. Additionally, Jacob and Brooklyn Key are charged with collecting over $178,000 for storm damage repairs but leaving work unfinished. These cases highlight a troubling trend of exploitation within the contractor industry, particularly against vulnerable homeowners.
Evansville – Multiple contractors in Evansville face serious charges of fraud and theft, involving unlawful alterations of checks, unfinished home repairs, and significant financial losses for their clients. The ongoing investigations reveal a troubling trend of exploitation among contractors, particularly targeting vulnerable homeowners.
Matthew Martin, the owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been charged with fraud and theft after allegedly altering a client’s check, leading to an illicit gain of nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple. The homeowners initially contracted Martin for small jobs, with payments typically not exceeding $300. In a deceptive move, Martin requested that the couple leave the payee line blank on their checks while filling in the numerical amount, leaving the written amount blank. Upon investigation, deputies discovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s wallet. Martin confessed to using part of the stolen funds for a family trip to Disney World. Consequently, a $2,500 bond has been set for Martin, who is now prohibited from contacting the victims.
In a separate case, Eric Morgan, operating as Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, is facing multiple counts of theft and fraud. Hired in October 2023 for a room addition while caring for the homeowner’s sick mother, Morgan received a substantial down payment of $25,000. Over time, the homeowner paid a total of $152,619.72 to Morgan. However, the construction work was delayed, and when it finally commenced in February 2024, Morgan failed to adhere to the contract terms. He did not order the kitchen cabinets that had already been paid for and incurred a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 against the homeowner for unpaid HVAC services. Further complicating matters, Morgan operated without a contractor’s license, insurance, or the required building permits, and he submitted a construction permit under another person’s name without their consent. Authorities suspect that multiple agencies may be investigating Morgan for similar fraudulent activities.
Additional charges have been levied against Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, the owners of Keys Contracting. They are accused of fraudulent practices after allegedly taking over $178,000 from homeowners for storm damage repairs following a tornado but failing to complete the work. The allegations against the Keys include leaving homes unfinished and open to further damage, providing substandard workmanship, and neglecting to obtain necessary permits. Homeowners affected by the Keys’ actions have initiated civil suits demanding damages. Following their initial court appearances, the Keys have pleaded not guilty and have been ordered not to contact the homeowners involved.
As these cases unfold, investigations into the contractors’ fraudulent practices are ongoing, raising concerns among local authorities about the accountability and conduct of contractors in the community. The situation highlights the vulnerability of homeowners, particularly the elderly, and the importance of due diligence when hiring contractors for home repairs or improvements. Community members are urged to report any suspicious activity and verify the credentials of any contractor prior to engaging their services to avoid potential scams.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Legislation Targets Corruption in School Construction
Former Milwaukee Tool Employee Faces Trial for Theft
Milwaukee Officials Recover $460,866 from Fraudulent Scheme
Milwaukee Defrauded Attempt of $460,866 in Scammer Scheme
Lincoln Begins Construction of New 1,512-Bed Prison
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
