News Summary
Several contractors in Evansville are facing serious charges of theft and fraud, including altering checks, failing to complete contracted work, and operating without proper licensing. Matthew Martin of Matthew Martin Construction and Eric Morgan of Rugged Construction are among the accused, along with brothers Jacob and Brooklyn Key of Keys Contracting. Investigations reveal troubling misconduct in the local construction industry, prompting legal actions from affected homeowners.
Evansville Contractors Face Multiple Charges for Theft and Fraud
Evansville contractors are facing serious legal repercussions for theft and fraud after multiple allegations surfaced about their unscrupulous business practices. Notably, Matthew Martin, the owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been charged with fraud after allegedly stealing nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple by altering their checks. Martin requested the victims to leave the payee line of the check blank, directing them to fill in the numerical amount while leaving the written dollar amount blank.
Deputies discovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s possession. In an admission of wrongdoing, Martin confessed to using a portion of the stolen funds for a trip to Disney World with his child. As a result of these serious accusations, a bond of $2,500 was set, and he has been ordered to have no contact with the victims while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Eric Morgan and Keys Contracting Faced Similar Charges
In a separate incident, Eric Morgan, operating under the name Rugged Construction, has also been charged with multiple counts of theft and fraud. Morgan was hired in October 2023 for a room addition while caring for a homeowner’s sick mother, receiving a down payment of $25,000. As the project progressed, Morgan received a total of $152,619.72 from the homeowner. However, construction was delayed, and when work finally commenced in February 2024, it failed to meet the stipulated contract terms.
Throughout the project, Morgan 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, he operated without a contractor’s license, insurance, or the necessary building permits, and construction permits were submitted in another person’s name without their knowledge. Authorities are exploring the possibility that multiple agencies may investigate Morgan for additional offenses based on his track record.
Morgan’s history reveals a troubling pattern of legal issues, including a 2017 conviction in federal court for Securities Fraud, which resulted in approximately $650,000 in losses.
The Keys: Charged with Fraudulent Practices
Additionally, brothers Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting, have been charged with fraudulent practices after allegedly taking over $178,000 from homeowners for storm damage repairs following a tornado. They are accused of failing to complete the work and leaving homes unfinished and vulnerable to further damage. The alleged poor workmanship has resulted in civil suits filed against them by affected homeowners seeking damages.
After their initial court appearances, the Keys pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been ordered not to contact the homeowners involved. Investigations into the fraudulent practices of the Keys are ongoing, highlighting a troubling trend of misconduct in the contracting business.
Ongoing Investigations
The ongoing investigations into these contractors reveal a concerning pattern of behavior among some individuals in the construction industry in Evansville. Authorities continue to gather information related to the allegations against Martin, Morgan, and the Keys, as they seek to hold those responsible for theft and fraud accountable for their actions. Homeowners affected by these alleged practices are encouraged to pursue legal action to secure compensation for damages incurred.
Community members are advised to exercise caution when hiring contractors and to ensure that proper licenses and insurances are verified before entering into any agreements. With numerous allegations surfacing, vigilance is key to protecting oneself from fraudulent practices in home repairs and improvements.
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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 INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
