Evansville, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Multiple contractors in Evansville are facing charges for theft and fraud after allegedly scamming homeowners. Matthew Martin, Eric Morgan, and Jacob Key are accused of theft involving large sums of money and incomplete renovations. Legal actions have been initiated, and investigations are ongoing, highlighting serious issues in the local construction industry.
Evansville Contractors Face Multiple Charges for Theft and Fraud Including Altered Checks and Unfinished Home Repairs
Evansville contractors are facing serious legal consequences following multiple charges of theft and fraud. Among those charged are Matthew Martin, Eric Morgan, and Jacob Andrew Key, who are accused of scamming homeowners out of thousands of dollars through misleading practices and unfinished repairs.
Matthew Martin Charged with Fraud
Matthew Martin, owner of Matthew Martin Construction, has been charged with fraud and theft after allegedly stealing nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple. The couple hired Martin for small renovation jobs that typically cost around $300, but things took a turn when he asked them to leave the payee line on a check blank. They filled in the numerical amount but left the written dollar amount empty. Martin then allegedly altered the check to divert funds to himself.
During the investigation, deputies discovered two additional blank checks belonging to the victims in Martin’s wallet. Furthermore, Martin admitted to misusing some of the stolen funds to take his child to Disney World. A bond of $2,500 has been set for Martin, and he has been ordered to have no contact with the victims.
Eric Morgan’s Actions Under Scrutiny
Eric Morgan, who operates as Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, faces multiple counts of theft and fraud after he was hired in October 2023 for a room addition intended to assist a homeowner caring for a sick family member. The homeowner initially paid Morgan a $25,000 down payment, and throughout the project, they ended up paying a total of $152,619.72.
The project was significantly delayed, and when work commenced in February 2024, Morgan did not adhere to the contract terms. He neglected to order kitchen cabinets that had already been paid for and even incurred a mechanic’s lien of nearly $9,000 against the homeowner for unpaid HVAC services. Notably, Morgan operated without a contractor’s license, insurance, or necessary building permits, and authorities discovered that he submitted a construction permit under another person’s name without their consent. Investigators believe multiple agencies may be pursuing separate investigations into Morgan’s criminal activities.
Keys Contracting Under Investigation
Jacob Andrew Key and Brooklyn Deshae Key, who run Keys Contracting, have also been charged with fraudulent practices. They are accused of taking over $178,000 from homeowners for storm damage repairs following a tornado but failing to complete the contracted work. Allegations include leaving homes in a state of disrepair, which made them vulnerable to further damage, providing poor workmanship, and failing to secure the necessary permits.
A number of affected homeowners have initiated civil suits against the Keys to seek damages. The couple has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been ordered not to contact the homeowners after their initial court appearances. Investigations into their practices remain ongoing.
Background of Legal Trouble
The cases of these contractors highlight ongoing issues within the construction industry in Evansville, where homeowners frequently encounter deceptive practices. The troubling history of Eric Morgan includes a 2017 conviction in federal court for Securities Fraud, which resulted in approximately $650,000 in losses. This pattern raises concerns about consumer protection in construction and home repair services.
As the investigations continue, local authorities are urging homeowners to conduct thorough research and due diligence when hiring contractors to avoid falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
Conclusion
With multiple contractors facing serious allegations of theft and fraud, Evansville residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The ongoing investigations aim to ensure that justice is served and that homeowners are protected from deceptive practices in the construction industry.
FAQ
What charges have been filed against Matthew Martin?
Matthew Martin has been charged with fraud and theft for allegedly stealing nearly $10,000 from an elderly couple.
How much money did Eric Morgan take from his client?
Eric Morgan received a total of $152,619.72 from a homeowner for a project but failed to complete it according to the contract.
What are the allegations against Jacob and Brooklyn Key?
The Keys are accused of taking over $178,000 from homeowners for storm damage repairs and failing to complete the work.
What consequences are these contractors facing?
All three contractors are facing criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and have been ordered to refrain from contacting the victims involved in their cases.
Chart of Key Features
| Contractor | Charges | Amount Involved | Criminal History |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Martin | Fraud, Theft | $10,000 | No prior convictions |
| Eric Morgan | Theft, Fraud | $152,619.72 | Convicted of Securities Fraud (2017) |
| Jacob & Brooklyn Key | Fraud | $178,000 | No prior convictions |
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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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
