A man with a lengthy criminal history is facing new charges in Mesa, Arizona, after authorities say he posed as a licensed contractor to scam homeowners out of large sums of money.
Police allege that Edward Carr, who reportedly used aliases such as “Bryan Jones,” targeted victims through Facebook by offering home renovation services. Investigators say he demanded significant upfront payments but left projects unfinished or caused serious damage to properties.
One Mesa homeowner reported hiring Carr to build a back porch after connecting with him online. Carr allegedly claimed to be licensed and began work with a crew. However, before completing the initial project, he persuaded the homeowner to approve additional renovations, including a new roof and bathroom.
According to court documents, the homeowner ended up paying more than $233,000. The property was left with extensive damage, including broken air conditioning lines, improper flooring, and an unpaid commercial dumpster left on-site. Repairs are expected to cost thousands more.
Authorities say the scheme also impacted the homeowner’s elderly neighbors. The couple, in their 70s and 80s, reportedly agreed to a porch estimate but later discovered subcontractors removing parts of their roof without proper authorization. They paid over $38,000, and the work allegedly left their home structurally compromised.
Carr is also accused of failing to pay subcontractors. Police spoke with nine workers, six of whom reported being owed a combined total exceeding $67,000.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims, as they continue to examine similar cases involving Carr across multiple jurisdictions.
Carr’s criminal record dates back to an arson conviction in 1999 and includes more recent offenses such as fraud, theft, and a sex offense. Authorities say he had been on the run for several years and has a history of tampering with his ankle monitor.
In Arizona, contractors performing work valued at more than $1,000 are required to be registered with the state’s Registrar of Contractors. Police allege Carr provided fake registration numbers to victims, sometimes using legitimate numbers belonging to subcontractors.
U.S. Marshals arrested Carr in February on outstanding warrants. He was booked into the Mesa City Jail in March and now faces charges including fraudulent schemes, theft, forgery, and operating as an unlicensed contractor. A judge has set his bond at $250,000 as the case proceeds.
