Matthew W. Trier

SYRACUSE — A home improvement fraud has landed a Syracuse man in jail and facing three charges relating to that incident. Charges of home improvement fraud were filed in July by Indiana State Police. While two of the charges are class A misdemeanors, the third charge was enhanced to a level 6 felony.

Matthew W. Trier, 51, 7340 Baltimore St., Apt. 2, Syracuse, was arrested on Aug. 24, and booked showing an address of 7340 S. 300E, Claypool. He was also arrested on a probation violation charge. He was held in the Kosciusko County Jail on $10,500 surety and cash bond.

Charging information states a local home owner took bids to have siding and a roof put on a home he purchased. Bids were received April 27, in which Trier’s bid came in the lowest. The homeowner agreed to the $9,100 contract submitted by Trier. A $3,000 cash down payment was paid, per the contract.

Two men showed up May 7 to begin removing the existing siding. But they stopped and informed the homeowner there was asbestos. To remove the asbestos, it would increase the contract by $2,200. The homeowner agreed and paid $1,500 down.

Police were told by the homeowner work was not being completed and June 8, Trier came to the residence and told the homeowner the job was too big and he wouldn’t be able to complete it as offered in the contract. When the homeowner asked for a refund, Trier said he did not have the $4,500 down payment money to return. An agreement was made Trier pay the homeowner back. Trier did pay the homeowner $1,960 June 16, but no further contact has been made between Trier and the homeowner.