Contractor accused of defrauding homeowner of more than $38,000

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A contractor has been charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor after he was allegedly paid more than $38,000 for home repairs that were not completed.

William Hoskins, of Warrenton, was charged on Thursday in Montgomery County with stealing more than $25,000, felony committing deceptive business practices and misdemeanor committing deceptive business practices. A warrant was requested on Thursday and a $2,500 bond was set.

The probable cause statement says the victim reported being defrauded by Hoskins in July after she paid Hoskins with four checks from Jan. 8-Feb. 24 that totaled $38,480.

Hoskins allegedly stopped showing up for work on June 5 after removing structural supports from the residence, the statement says.

“Hoskins also removed portions of an exterior ramp without completing the work, cut a new doorway that was left exposed to weather, created a hole in the roof that was never repaired, and left exposed insulation, framing, wiring, and other unfinished construction throughout the residence,” the probable cause statement says.

Hoskins allegedly told the victim he replaced structural footings under the residence, but a second contractor determined that was not true, the statement says.