SYRACUSE — Michael James Kausal, 51, 27 EMS D18A1 Lane, Syracuse, is no stranger to the Kosciusko County Jail. Most recently, Kausal was booked into the jail on a charge of home improvement fraud. Kausal was taken to jail and booked in Wednesday, Dec. 30, with a $600 bond.According to a probable cause affidavit completed by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Kausal was in an agreement with a former co-worker, Stephanie Stratton, Pierceton, to install a wood burner in her home for a cost of $1,500. The $1,500 would include Kausal’s labor and a few additional parts for installation.

Stratton had already purchased the wood burner and some of the equipment necessary for the installation. She was able to procure documents that had been signed by Kausal, indicating she had already made several payments in advance for the work, totaling $650.

After Kausal was terminated from his job at Grace Village where he worked with Stratton, she communicated her desire for Kausal to either refund her payments or complete the work. Communication ceased in August 2015 without any money being refunded, or any work done on the installation.

This arrest wasn’t Kausal’s first charge that involved the improper use of other people’s money.

Kausal was also arrested Saturday, Dec. 12, and charged with forgery and fraud, both level 6 felonies, plus theft, a class A misdemeanor.

The earlier December charges stem from unauthorized use of a friend’s debit card and checking account.

According to documents filed by the Prosecutor’s Office, Kausal is scheduled to appear for a hearing on Jan. 11. A class B misdemeanor carries a sentence of up to 180 days in jail.