News Summary
Several contractors in Evansville are facing serious charges, including theft and fraud, after deceiving homeowners through unauthorized contract alterations and uncompleted repairs. Notable cases involve contractors taking substantial amounts of money without delivering promised work or adhering to legal requirements. Investigations are ongoing as authorities warn homeowners about the importance of due diligence when hiring contractors.
Evansville, Indiana – Multiple contractors in Evansville face serious criminal charges, including theft and fraud, related to various unscrupulous practices that have taken advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. The allegations primarily involve unauthorized alterations to contracts, uncompleted repairs, and failure to adhere to legal requirements in their operations.
Matthew Martin, owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been charged with fraud and theft after reportedly altering a client’s check to steal almost $10,000 from an elderly couple. The couple originally hired Martin for minor jobs, typically costing less than $300. However, Martin requested that they leave the payee line of the check blank while asking them to fill in the numerical amount but leave the written dollar amount empty. Upon investigation, deputies discovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims found in Martin’s wallet. He later confessed to using some of the stolen funds for personal purposes, including taking his child to Disney World. A bond of $2,500 has been set for Martin, and he has been prohibited from contacting the victims.
In a separate case, Eric Morgan, operating under Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, has been charged with multiple counts of theft and fraud. Hired in October 2023 to construct a room addition for a homeowner caring for a sick mother, Morgan received an initial down payment of $25,000. Ultimately, the homeowner paid Morgan a total of $152,619.72. However, the project faced persistent delays. When work resumed in February 2024, Morgan allegedly failed to follow the contract conditions, failed to order kitchen cabinets for which he had already been paid, and incurred a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 for unpaid HVAC services. Furthermore, Morgan operated without the required contractor’s license, insurance, or necessary building permits, and even submitted a permit for construction under someone else’s name without their consent. Authorities believe that multiple investigating agencies may be examining Morgan’s business practices due to concerns over similar offenses.
Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting, have likewise been charged with fraudulent practices. The couple is accused of taking over $178,000 from homeowners for repairs related to storm damage following a tornado, failing to complete the work as promised. Allegations against the Keys include leaving homes in unfinished states, vulnerable to further deterioration, performing substandard workmanship, and neglecting to secure required permits for their work. Affected homeowners have begun civil suits seeking damages against the Keys, who have pleaded not guilty to the charges while being ordered not to contact homeowners following their initial court appearances.
As investigations continue into these fraudulent contractor practices, homeowners across Evansville are reminded to conduct due diligence when hiring contractors, ensuring they possess the necessary credentials and are recognized within the industry. Awareness of the legal and procedural requirements can potentially safeguard consumers against similar incidents in the future.
As these cases unfold, additional insights into the extent of fraudulent activities by contractors in the area may emerge, prompting further actions by local authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Leaders Advocate for Project Labor Agreements in Long Island Schools
New York State Insurance Fund Sues Exit 58 Islandia LLC
Investigation into Hochul Administration’s Medicaid Contract
Heavy Equipment Operators Initiate Strike in Tri-Cities
Construction Begins for New Nebraska State Prison in Lincoln
TEMCO Construction Owners Charged with Wire Fraud
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 NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
