Jason William Cole

WARSAW — A local man was recently arrested after allegedly committing several acts of home improvement fraud.

Jason William Cole, 41, 1776 E. CR 225S, Winona Lake; also showing an address of 3265 E. CR 1300N, Syracuse, is charged with home improvement fraud, a level 6 felony; three counts of home improvement fraud and one count of theft, all class A misdemeanors.

On July 29, a woman contacted the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office in regards to home improvement fraud. The woman said she hired Cole Home Improvement, owned and operated by Jason Cole, to remove siding and place new siding on her residence. According to court documents, the woman said she signed a contract on June 21 with Cole and that he had started to remove the siding but didn’t finish the work.

The woman paid Cole $6,300 for the siding work. She contacted Cole on several occasions regarding finishing the work and was given excuses as to why it was not completed. Cole told the woman he would return the money when he was able to but failed to do so.

On July 22, a Warsaw Police officer spoke with a man regarding home improvement fraud. The man said he hired Cole to complete a concrete pad and fencing at his residence. The contract the man signed said the cost of the project was $1,883.20. The agreement was for the man to pay half of the cost upfront and pay the rest at the completion of the project. The man paid $1,100 for the work.

According to court documents, Cole did not start the work on July 22 like he agreed to. Cole did not begin the work until early August and did not complete the work. The man attempted to communicate with Cole through Facebook, but was provided with excuses by Cole as to why the work could not be completed. Cole said he would only refund the man $520. However, Cole never gave the man a refund and did not complete the work he agreed to do.

On Sept. 16, an officer with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office met with two people regarding home improvement fraud. A woman said her mother entered into a home improvement contract with Cole. The contract was signed on June 11 for $300, with the work to begin on June 16.

While at the residence, Cole worked for three hours before leaving the job site. During that time he trimmed a few trees and piled some leaves. He also entered the residence’s garage and removed an antique David Bradly lawn tractor hood without permission. Cole returned and spoke with the woman and obtained an additional $185 for work. As of Sept. 16, Cole had not returned to finish the work or return the antique tractor hood, court paperwork said.

Cole was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Oct. 28, with a $6,500 surety and cash bond.