Evansville, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Several contractors in Evansville face serious criminal charges including theft and fraud, with allegations of altered checks, unfinished home repairs, and operating without licenses. Matthew Martin is accused of stealing nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple through fraudulent check alterations. Eric Morgan faces charges for failing to complete contracted work after receiving over $152,000. Jacob and Brooklyn Key are accused of taking over $178,000 for storm repairs without completing the work. The cases highlight the vulnerability of homeowners and the need for oversight in the contracting industry.
Evansville Contractors Face Multiple Charges for Theft and Fraud Including Altered Checks and Unfinished Home Repairs
Evansville contractors are under scrutiny for several serious charges, including theft and fraud, as multiple cases emerge involving financial exploitation of homeowners. Matthew Martin, owner of Matthew Martin Construction, faces allegations that could see him in legal trouble after he reportedly stole nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple through fraudulent check alterations.
According to reports, Martin convinced the elderly couple to leave the payee line of their checks blank while filling in the numerical amount, leaving the written dollar amount unfilled. This manipulation allowed him to write himself a check for a sum nearing $10,000. Law enforcement discovered two blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s wallet, leading to his arrest. He confessed to using a portion of the stolen money to take his child to Disney World. A judge has set Martin’s bond at $2,500, and he has been ordered to have no contact with the victims.
In a separate yet similarly troubling case, Eric Morgan, a contractor operating under Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, faces multiple charges of theft and fraud. Hired in October 2023 for a room addition to accommodate a sick mother, Morgan originally received a down payment of $25,000. The homeowner ultimately paid a staggering $152,619.72, but the construction process was fraught with delays. When work finally began in February 2024, it was reported that Morgan did not adhere to the contractual obligations, failed to order kitchen cabinets that had already been paid for, and accrued a nearly $9,000 mechanic’s lien against the homeowner for unpaid HVAC services.
Investigation revealed that Morgan operated without a required contractor license, insurance, or building permits. Moreover, permits were submitted under another individual’s name without their consent, further compounding the legal issues faced by Morgan. Multiple agencies are believed to be investigating Morgan due to the extent of complaints against him. Morgan has a previous conviction for Securities Fraud in 2017, resulting in significant financial losses for investors.
Also facing charges are Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, owners of Keys Contracting. They are accused of taking over $178,000 from homeowners for storm damage repairs following a tornado and subsequently failing to complete the work in a timely manner. Allegations against the Keys include leaving numerous homes unfinished and vulnerable to further damage, executing poor workmanship, and neglecting to obtain necessary permits for the repairs. Homeowners affected by their actions have initiated civil suits to recover damages, while the Keys have pleaded not guilty to the charges. They have been instructed to avoid contact with the affected homeowners following their initial court appearances.
Authorities are continuing their investigations into the fraudulent practices of these contractors. The extensive nature of the cases highlights the vulnerability of homeowners in need of repairs and the critical need for oversight in the contracting industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges are the contractors facing?
The contractors face multiple charges of theft and fraud, including allegations of altered checks, unfinished home repairs, and operating without necessary licenses and permits.
How much money is involved in these cases?
Matthew Martin is accused of stealing nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple. Eric Morgan has taken over $152,000 from homeowners, while Jacob and Brooklyn Key allegedly took over $178,000 for storm damage repairs.
What led to the investigations?
Investigations were launched after victims reported financial exploitation, uncompleted work, and legal violations, resulting in multiple law enforcement agencies looking into the contractors’ business practices.
What penalties could the contractors face?
The penalties for such charges can include significant fines, restitution to victims, and potential jail time depending on the severity of the offenses and the outcomes of legal proceedings.
Are there other investigations related to these contractors?
Yes, authorities believe multiple agencies may be investigating these contractors for similar offenses beyond those currently reported.
Summary of Charges
| Contractor Name | Charges | Amount Involved | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Martin | Theft, Fraud | $10,000 | Altered checks, victimized elderly couple |
| Eric Morgan | Multiple counts of Theft, Fraud | $152,619.72 | No contractor’s license, unfinished work |
| Jacob & Brooklyn Key | Fraudulent practices | $178,000 | Unfinished repairs, poor workmanship |
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Additional Resources
- 14 News: Evansville Contractor Arrested
- Courier & Press: Construction Company Owners Face Fraud Charges
- WEVV: Contractor Accused of Fraud and Theft
- TriState Homepage: Contractor Arrested for Home Improvement Fraud
- Courier & Press: Contractor Stole $150K from Homeowner
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Google Search: Contractor Fraud
- Google Scholar: Contractor Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Google News: Contractor Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
