WARSAW — A Converse man was arrested for theft and home improvement fraud after receiving payments to remove a tree, but never completing the work.

Mark Howard

Mark Alan Howard, 47, 125 East First St., Converse, is being charged with theft, a level 6 felony and home improvement fraud, an enhanced level 6 felony.

Homeowner Steve Baize met with officers on Aug. 5 to file a home improvement fraud complaint.

According to Baize, he met with Howard of H&H Tree Service on July 4 in regards to having a tree removed from his property. Howard told Baize that he could remove the tree and stump for $1,500.

Baize paid Howard a check for a $300 deposit. On July 7, Howard asked Baize if he could pay the remaining balance, so he could get started on the work. Baize agreed and paid the remaining $1,200 with another check.

Baize has been in contact with Howard on multiple occasions about the tree, but Howard continued to make excuses as to why the work had not been completed. At the end of July, when the tree was still in place, Baize contacted another company that removed the tree.

Howard was contacted for a refund on the uncompleted work. He stated that he would give a refund, but would need time to come up with the money.

Howard was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 16 with a $3,500 surety and cash bond.