Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that an Ohio-based contractor has been charged with allegedly defrauding homeowners in Erie County out of more than $80,000.
Kenneth Miller, 69, of Lewis Center, Ohio, was arraigned Friday and charged with felony counts of theft by deception, deceptive business practices and home improvement fraud. Bail was set at $100,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 16.
Prosecutors allege Miller took more than $80,000 in deposits from four homeowners but never purchased materials or performed any work. Authorities say he instead used the money for personal expenses. Two of the victims were over the age of 60.
“This contractor blatantly stole money from homeowners who made substantial payments for home improvements,” Sunday said. “The defendant used money budgeted by Pennsylvanians for home upgrades to buy himself jewelry and pay for a divorce lawyer. Pennsylvania homeowners deserve quality and timely work performed with integrity, and these victims were left to deal with lost funds and the emotional toll of having been scammed of their hard-earned money.”
According to investigators, Miller entered into home improvement agreements with four homeowners in Corry and Erie between November 2023 and May 2024. He reportedly told the homeowners that their initial deposits would be used to purchase materials for the projects.
An investigation later determined that after depositing the checks, Miller did not use the funds to buy materials. Instead, authorities say he used the money to pay credit card bills, legal fees for his divorce attorney, purchase jewelry and cover automobile-related expenses. Investigators also allege Miller made large cash withdrawals and never returned to the homes to complete any of the work.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Brandon Bingle.
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