News Summary
In Evansville, multiple contractors, including Matthew Martin and Eric Morgan, face serious criminal charges over theft and fraudulent practices harming vulnerable homeowners. Allegations range from altered checks to unfinished work, raising concerns about ethics in the contracting industry. The Keys Contracting owners are also implicated, accused of defrauding homeowners for repairs post-tornado. Investigations are ongoing, urging homeowners to conduct thorough background checks to protect themselves from potential fraud.
Evansville, Indiana – Multiple local contractors are facing serious criminal charges related to theft and fraud, with allegations of altered checks and unfinished home repairs impacting vulnerable homeowners. These cases have raised concerns among both law enforcement and residents about the ethics and practices within the contracting industry.
Matthew Martin, the owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been charged with fraud and theft after allegedly altering a client’s check to steal nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple. Initially, the couple hired Martin for small jobs that typically cost around $300. However, Martin requested that they leave the payee line blank while filling in the numerical amount. This led to suspicions when deputies found two more blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s wallet. He reportedly admitted to using some of the stolen funds to take his child to a trip to Disney World. A $2,500 bond has been set for Martin, and he has been ordered to have no contact with the victims pending further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, another contractor, Eric Morgan, operating as Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, faces multiple counts of theft and fraud for his handling of a room addition project. Hired in October 2023, Morgan received a $25,000 down payment to assist a homeowner caring for a sick mother. Ultimately, the homeowner paid a total of $152,619.72 to Morgan, but the project faced significant delays. When work finally began in February 2024, Morgan allegedly failed to adhere to contract terms, did not order kitchen cabinets that had already been paid for, and incurred a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 for unpaid HVAC services. Furthermore, Morgan operated without a contractor’s license, insurance, or necessary building permits, and even submitted a construction permit under someone else’s name without their knowledge. Authorities believe there may be ongoing investigations by multiple agencies into Morgan’s previous conduct as well.
In addition to Martin and Morgan, Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting, are also charged with fraudulent practices after allegedly taking over $178,000 from homeowners for repairs following tornado damage. The couple is accused of failing to complete the work, leaving properties unfinished and vulnerable to further damage, providing poor workmanship, and not obtaining necessary permits. Homeowners impacted by their actions have initiated civil suits against the Keys for damages. The Keys have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been ordered to refrain from contacting the affected homeowners following their initial court appearances.
These cases shed light on a troubling pattern of behavior among contractors in Evansville, raising alarm for both local authorities and citizens seeking reliable home repair services. As investigations continue, officials encourage homeowners to conduct thorough background checks on contractors, including verification of licenses, past work references, and any existing legal issues. The growing number of complaints against contractors, compounded by the economic vulnerability of victims—often elderly or those requiring specialized home modifications—has become an immediate concern for the community.
The situation serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant when hiring contractors, ensuring they follow an established protocol to protect themselves against potential fraud and theft. Authorities are committed to addressing these issues and are working toward ensuring justice for the victims of these cases.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
