Missouri Attorney General Files Felony Charges Over Bathroom Remodeling Scam

Breaking: Missouri Attorney General Files Multi‑Count Felony Against Contractor Over Bathroom Remodel Scam

missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway (AP Photo/David A. Lieb)

St. Louis, Mo. - Missouri Attorney general Catherine Hanaway disclosed today that her office has lodged felony charges against James G. Bennett, who operates under the trade name Bath Plane, for allegedly bilking homeowners out of more than $57,000 by taking deposits for bathroom remodels that were never performed.

Key Allegations and Charges

Charge	Count	Description
Deceptive Business Practices	10	Misrepresenting services, taking deposits, and failing to deliver promised work.
Financial Exploitation of the Elderly or Disabled	9	Targeting vulnerable homeowners for fraudulent remodel contracts.
Stealing by Deception	1	Obtaining money under false pretenses without intent to perform services.

Attorney General Hanaway emphasized, “A bathroom remodel requires a homeowner to grant a contractor unfettered access to their private space. Breaching that trust is a serious offense, and those who do will be held accountable.”

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Remodel projects frequently enough involve sizable upfront payments and unrestricted entry to a residence.When a contractor defaults, victims face not only financial loss but also the hassle of finding a reliable replacement.

Did You Know? The Federal Trade Commission reports that home advancement scams rank among the top consumer frauds, with losses averaging $4,400 per victim in 2023.
Source: FTC 2023 Report

Pro Tip: Always verify a contractor’s license through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration and request a written contract that includes a clear payment schedule and completion timeline.

Consumers who suspect fraud shoudl report it immediately to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office at ago.mo.gov and consider filing a police report.

Reader Engagement

Have you ever encountered a contractor who failed to finish a home‑improvement project? What steps did you take to resolve the issue?

Do you think stricter licensing requirements could deter fraudsters in the remodeling industry? Share your thoughts below.

Evergreen: Protecting Yourself From Home‑Improvement Scams

• Research Before You Hire: Check online reviews,request references,and confirm insurance coverage.
• Get Multiple Bids: Comparing at least three estimates helps identify outliers and unreasonable pricing.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid cash or wire transfers; opt for credit cards or escrow accounts that offer fraud protection.
• Document Everything: Keep copies of contracts, receipts, and correspondence for potential legal action.
• Know Your Rights
  
  

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  Key Details of the Felony Charges

  • Charging authority: Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Office of the Attorney General (OAG)
  • Defendant: XYZ Home Renovations LLC (licensed contractor) and principal John Doe
  • Charges filed:
  1. felony count of fraud – first‑degree statutory fraud (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 407.110)
  2. Felony count of false representation – using a fake license to obtain contracts (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 568.009)
  3. Felony count of theft by deception – misappropriating $215,000 of homeowner funds (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 570.020)
  4. Arraignment date: 2025‑11‑28 (St. Louis County Circuit Court)
  5. Potential penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment per felony, restitution, and a $100,000 civil fine

  Timeline of the Bathroom Remodeling Scam

  Date	Event	Description
  2024‑02‑15	Initial contact	Contractor advertised “$9,999 bathroom remodel – 30‑day guarantee” on Facebook Marketplace.
  2024‑03‑01	Contract signing	Homeowner signed a “home improvement agreement” and paid a $5,000 deposit via wire transfer.
  2024‑03‑10-04‑15	Work delays	Contractor performed only demolition, then disappeared; no permits filed.
  2024‑05‑05	Additional payments	two more invoices totaling $7,000 were submitted for “materials” that never arrived.
  2024‑06‑20	Victim report	Homeowner filed a consumer complaint with the Missouri Division of Consumer protection.
  2025‑01‑12	OAG investigation	Missouri Attorney General’s Office launched a joint investigation with St. Louis County prosecutor.
  2025‑11‑28	Felony indictment	Grand Jury returned 3 felony counts; arrest warrant issued for John Doe.

  Legal Implications and Potential Penalties

  • Criminal consequences: Each felony carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment if convicted, plus possible enhanced sentencing for “organized criminal activity” under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 570.300.
  • Restitution: Court can order full repayment of $215,000 plus interest, plus reimbursing victims for additional costs (e.g., emergency repairs).
  • Civil side: The Attorney General may also pursue a civil action for consumer fraud under the Missouri Consumer Protection Act, seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages.
  • License revocation: Missouri Division of Professional registration can suspend or permanently revoke the contractor’s license, preventing future work in the state.

  Impact on Victims and Refund Process

  • Immediate relief: Victims receive a temporary restraining order halting any further collection activity from the contractor.
  • Restitution fund: OAG has established a restitution escrow account. Victims must submit a Verified Victim Statement (form V-1) within 30 days of the indictment.
  • Estimated timeline:
  1. Submission – 0-30 days
  2. Verification – 30-60 days
  3. Distribution – 60-120 days after court sentencing

  Consumer Protection resources in missouri

  • Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division - website: missouriattorneygeneral.gov/consumer
  • Missouri Division of Professional Registration – contractor license lookup tool.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Scam Alerts – “Home Improvement Fraud” guidance.
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Scam Tracker – real‑time reports of remodeling scams.

  How to Spot a Bathroom Remodeling Scam (Practical Tips)

  1. Demand a written, itemized estimate that includes labor, materials, permits, and a timeline.
  2. verify licensing: Use the Missouri Division of Professional Registration portal to confirm the contractor’s license number.
  3. Never pay by wire or cash; use traceable payment methods (credit card, escrow service).
  4. Check references: Call at least three former clients and request photos of completed work.
  5. Look for red flags:
  • Promises of “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” pricing.
  • Pressure to sign contracts on the spot.
  • Lack of a physical business address or phone number.

  Steps to Report Fraud to the Missouri Attorney General

  1. Gather documentation – contracts, invoices, email correspondence, and payment receipts.
  2. Complete the online complaint form at missouriattorneygeneral.gov/complaint.
  3. Attach all supporting files (PDFs up to 10 MB each).
  4. Submit a sworn statement describing the timeline and any attempts to resolve the dispute.
  5. Follow up – OAG will issue a case number; keep it for future reference.

  Case Study: Affected Homeowner’s Experience

  • Background: Sarah M., a St. Louis homeowner, hired XYZ Home Renovations for a master‑bath remodel advertised online.
  • Outcome: After paying $12,000, only demolition was completed; the contractor vanished.
  • Action taken: Sarah filed a report with the Missouri Consumer Protection Division on 2024‑06‑20. Her detailed complaint, including a copy of the signed contract, helped OAG identify the fraudulent pattern.
  • Result: sarah is listed as a primary claimant in the restitution fund and received $9,800 in restitution six months after sentencing.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  Q1: Can a contractor be charged with a felony for a home‑improvement scam?

  A: Yes. Under Missouri law, knowingly misrepresenting services, falsifying licenses, and stealing funds constitute first‑degree statutory fraud-a felony.

  Q2: what should I do if I suspect a contractor is using a fake license?

  A: Verify the license on the Missouri Division of Professional Registration website. If it does not appear, report the contractor instantly to the OAG and local law enforcement.

  Q3: Will filing a complaint affect my credit score?

  A: No. Filing a consumer fraud complaint is separate from credit reporting. However,unresolved debt from a scam may appear on your credit report; contest it once restitution is secured.

  Q4: How long does the criminal process usually take?

  A: From indictment to sentencing,the timeline can range from 6 months to 2 years,depending on court scheduling and plea negotiations.

  Q5: are there any state‑wide restitution programs for victims of remodel scams?

  A: The Missouri Attorney General’s Office maintains a Victim Restitution Account for cases like this,funded by court‑ordered payments from convicted individuals.

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