Evansville, Ind. (WFIE) – A local contractor, Eric Morgan, 41, has been arrested by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office for multiple counts of theft and fraud related to an unlicensed construction project that cost a homeowner over $150,000.
Morgan, operating under the business name Eric Morgan DBA Rugged Construction, was hired in October 2024 to build a room addition for a homeowner whose mother needed in-home care. The homeowner initially paid a $25,000 down payment, and over time, that total ballooned to $152,619.72.
According to authorities, work on the addition didn’t begin until February 2024, and the homeowner eventually contacted law enforcement when Morgan failed to follow through on contract terms. Investigators found that kitchen cabinets had not been ordered despite payment, and the homeowner was hit with a $9,000 mechanic’s lien by an HVAC company that Morgan never paid.
Further investigation revealed Morgan was not licensed, lacked insurance, and did not obtain any building permits for the project. Additionally, no inspections were conducted, raising concerns that much of the work will need to be redone to meet safety and code standards.
In a disturbing twist, officials say Morgan fraudulently submitted a permit under another person’s name without their knowledge, and the contract itself failed to comply with Indiana legal requirements.
Morgan now faces six counts of theft and six counts of fraud. He was taken into custody but has since posted a $5,000 bond. At the time of his arrest, he was already out on bond in a separate investigation.
Authorities believe other agencies are investigating Morgan for similar offenses. His record includes a 2017 federal conviction for securities fraud, tied to a scam that cost investors approximately $650,000.
The Vanderburgh County Building Commission is currently working with the victim to bring the home up to code.
