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Local Contractor Swindler Prosecuted
The Orono Police Department has successfully prosecuted a contractor swindler in the Orono area. In the summer of 2002, Richard Wooton swindled an Orono homeowner out of more than $100,000, billing for work that he had not done, or that he had done without a permit and not to code.
The homeowner was a single woman, with no experience in construction practices. Wooton, an unlicensed contractor forbidden to do work in the state of Minnesota and doing business under the name Remodeling Pros, was recommended to bring her house up to code for sale.
The value of the work actually needed was less than $20,000. Wooton convinced the homeowner that she needed many unnecessary repairs including a new roof, mold protection, and new roof trusses. The homeowner was billed for the services of a non-existent architect and structural engineer as well.
Wooton was sentenced to 69 months in state prison
due to his lengthy criminal history. For important tips on hiring a general
contractor check out our new Contractor
tips page.
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