September 13, 2025

Evansville Contractors Charged with Theft and Fraud

News Summary

Several contractors in Evansville are facing criminal charges for theft and fraud involving deceptive financial practices and incomplete home repairs. Matthew Martin, Eric Morgan, and the Keys are accused of mismanaging funds and failing to complete projects, resulting in significant losses for homeowners. Authorities are urging consumers to be cautious and verify contractor credentials to avoid similar scams.

Evansville Contractors Facing Multiple Criminal Charges for Theft and Fraud

Evansville, IN — Several local contractors are facing serious legal charges, including theft, fraud, and operating without proper licensing, following investigations into deceptive financial practices and unfinished home repairs. Authorities have confirmed that these cases involve significant financial losses to homeowners and potential violations of building regulations.

Matthew Martin of Matthew Martin Construction Charged with Theft and Fraud

Matthew Martin, owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been formally charged with fraud and theft related to a scheme targeting an elderly couple. Prosecutors allege Martin manipulated a client’s check, resulting in nearly $10,000 being stolen. The elderly homeowners initially hired Martin for minor repairs, with typical payments amounting to less than $300.

Investigators state that Martin requested the couple to leave the payee line on the check blank, then to fill in the numerical amount while leaving the written dollar figure blank. Deputies recovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims from Martin’s wallet during an arrest. The contractor subsequently admitted to using some of the stolen funds to take his child to Disney World. Martin has been placed on a $2,500 bond and ordered to have no contact with the victims.

Charges Against Eric Morgan of Rugged Construction

Eric Morgan, operating as Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, faces multiple counts of theft and fraud. He was hired in October 2023 to add a room to a homeowner’s residence to aid in caring for a sick family member, with an initial down payment of $25,000. Over time, the total amount paid by the homeowner reached approximately $152,620.

The project faced delays, and when construction finally commenced in February 2024, authorities found that Morgan failed to adhere to contractual obligations. Specifically, he did not order or install paid-for kitchen cabinets and incurred a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 for unpaid HVAC services. Additionally, Morgan operated without a valid contractor’s license, insurance, or permits, and submitted a construction permit application under another person’s name without their knowledge. Inspections related to the work were not conducted.

Law enforcement officials suspect Morgan may be under investigation for similar fraudulent activities in other projects. It was also revealed that Morgan was convicted in federal court in 2017 for Securities Fraud, resulting in losses of approximately $650,000.

Charges Involving Keys Contracting

Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting, are also facing allegations of fraudulent practices. The Keys are accused of accepting over $178,000 from homeowners after storms damaged properties. Their company allegedly failed to complete the repairs, leaving homes unfinished and vulnerable to further damage.

The affected homeowners report poor workmanship, missing permits, and homes left exposed to weather-related deterioration. Several civil suits have been filed against the Keys seeking monetary damages. Both individuals have entered pleas of not guilty, and court orders prohibit them from making any contact with the complainants.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

Authorities confirm that investigations are still underway regarding these cases, with multiple agencies involved in reviewing additional allegations of fraudulent conduct within the local contractor community. The cases highlight ongoing concerns about unlicensed and unethical practices in the construction sector, emphasizing the importance of verifying credentials and licensing before hiring contractors.

These incidents serve as a reminder for consumers to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before entering into agreements for home repairs or construction projects. Officials encourage homeowners to verify licensing, request references, and ensure clear contractual terms to protect against potential fraud and substandard work.

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