A Jefferson County grand jury returned an indictment on Thursday on contractor Kevin Carter on one count of theft by deception over $10,000 — a class C felony — for allegedly failing to perform home repair services for a Louisville resident.
Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Consumer Protection announced the indictment of the 42-year-old Mount Washington, Kentucky, resident on Friday. Carter, who owns Carter Home Improvements, was paid $10,350 by the Louisville resident for roof replacement services, but allegedly did not return to complete the work after he received the payment.
Conway encouraged Kentucky consumers who need home repair work, or cleanup services, to follow his tips, which include: never pay the full amount to a contractor before the work is completed; use local, reputable contractors and if they bring in out-of-town workers, ask who will be responsible for their work; make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured; check out companies through the Better Business Bureau or the Office of Consumer Protection; demand a written contract and try to obtain estimates from several contractors; and be suspicious of unfamiliar, out-of-state vehicles or those who offer repair work at unreasonably low prices.