HOUSTON – A Houston contractor accused of gambling away thousands of dollars of client money is now facing an additional charge related to his alleged misconduct. The contractor, whose name has not been released, was initially charged with theft after several clients reported that he had taken their money but failed to complete the agreed-upon work.
According to authorities, the contractor told clients that the delays and incomplete projects were due to the recent death of his mother. However, further investigation revealed that the contractor had actually been spending large sums of money at local casinos.
One client, who wished to remain anonymous, said she hired the contractor to renovate her kitchen but became suspicious when no progress was made after several weeks. When she confronted the contractor about the delays, he allegedly blamed his mother’s death for his inability to complete the job.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out the truth,” the client said. “I thought he was just going through a tough time, but to find out he was gambling away my hard-earned money is just despicable.”
Authorities are now filing an additional charge of fraud against the contractor, alleging that he knowingly deceived clients about the reasons for the delays in order to continue receiving payments. The contractor is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court next week.
This case highlights the importance of conducting thorough research before hiring a contractor and emphasizes the need for clear communication and transparency throughout the construction process. Clients are advised to always ask for references, contracts, and proof of insurance before entering into any agreements with contractors.
The contractor’s actions have not only left several clients out of pocket but have also damaged his reputation and credibility in the Houston construction industry. It serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners and business owners alike to be vigilant when hiring contractors and to report any suspicious behavior to authorities immediately.
