VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — Gordon Leighton, a 58-year-old man from Lawton, Michigan, has been arrested on two charges connected to a contractor fraud scheme. Leighton is facing a felony charge of contractor fraud and a misdemeanor charge of being an unlicensed residential builder.
Victims Report Unfinished Home Construction
The case originated in August 2024, when victims reported concerns about Leighton’s failure to complete the construction of their home after it was destroyed in a fire. The family had received an insurance payout and hired Leighton in November 2022 to rebuild their home, agreeing to pay him a substantial amount to complete the project. The family has been living in an apartment for nearly two years while waiting for the work to be completed.
No Progress in Construction
Sheriff Dan Abbott stated that Leighton began the construction by pouring a foundation in January 2023, but the last time any work was done on the home was in October 2023. Since then, the house has remained a “stick frame” structure with no siding or interior work completed. The family has already paid over $95,000 for the unfinished construction.
Investigation Reveals Fraudulent Activity
An investigation by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Leighton had been operating without the proper license. Authorities discovered that he had been moving funds from other construction jobs to cover the costs of the incomplete work on this project.
Sheriff Abbott indicated that this does not appear to be an isolated case and expects more victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
Authorities Encourage Other Victims to Report
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Leighton’s fraudulent activities is encouraged to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify any additional victims of the unlicensed contractor’s scheme.