My Contractor Robbed Me.

This is my back story: I suffered a leak in my house in March of 2024. Most of the flooring in my house was removed, and thankfully, all the wet areas were dried right away. My home insurance company also agreed to approve plumbing repairs under my foundation slab within a few months. However, in order for them to grant me any funds to fix the inside of my house, I had to hire a public adjuster and eventually a private adjuster to fight for a reasonable amount. What was directly impacted by the leak: my guest bathroom cabinet and floor tile, my kitchen hallway floor tile, my kitchen and laundry room floor tile, all of the bottom cabinets in my kitchen, about 80% of the vinyl flooring in my house, and the baseboards/lower walls.

By May of 2025, my adjuster was able to get me a decent amount to fix my home. I hired a contractor who used to be employed by a large restoration company that I had used in the past, figuring that if he worked for them, he would be legitimate. He told me that he was branching out on his own after leaving the company (later I learned that this was a lie). Without me telling him how much the insurance company gave me, he drew up an estimate that was going to allow me to get some extra work done (unaffected by the leak).

He asked for half up front, as is customary, and I paid him extra money from my savings account for additional repairs. The goal was he would get most of it done and then I would be able to obtain the rest of my insurance money to have him finish everything.

Well, that never happened. His crew completed demolition, he had some electrical and plumbing work done, as well as some new sheet rock put in, and then he took off. I have not been able to reach him since August 13. My mortgage company suggested that I file a police report. The police told me I needed to send him a demand letter first, which I did. It was verified delivered, but whoever accepted the letter would not sign for it. When I did not receive any response, I was able to file a police report on Tuesday, September 30. The person taking my report told me it will be sent to investigators, and it will be up to them to decide whether to pursue it.

In the meantime, I have one son who has been living with his friend since the beginning of summer, and I have another son staying here part-time with no floor in his room. We have one working bathroom with two sinks, a toilet, and a shower. We have no kitchen, but my boyfriend has kindly purchased for us an oven/toaster/air fryer so we can start making food at home instead of eating out (a big shout out to him for his support!!).

This contractor knew that I am a single parent. He knew that it took me 14 months to obtain the money I needed from my insurance company. He also knew that I was giving him chunks of my savings account, and yet he still robbed me. Any amount that you can give me would be greatly and humbly appreciated!!