The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two men on felony charges after investigating a series of contractor fraud complaints tied to unfinished or misrepresented construction work.
In one case, detectives arrested 44-year-old Kit Alden Potter of Kalkaska after several clients reported paying for construction services that were either never started or left incomplete. Potter has been charged with six counts of felony larceny by conversion involving amounts between $1,000 and $20,000, two counts involving $20,000 or more, and one count of felony non-sufficient funds check. He is currently out on bond as the case proceeds through Manistee County Court.
In a separate investigation, deputies arrested Scot Eric Latimer, 52, of Ludington. He faces multiple felony charges including two counts of false pretenses with intent to defraud of $100,000 or more, one count involving $50,000 to under $100,000, one count involving $20,000 to under $50,000, and one count of felony larceny by conversion of $1,000 to $20,000.
The sheriff’s office stated that the arrests aim to raise public awareness, encourage other potential victims to come forward, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Officials are urging residents to carefully vet any contractor before hiring. Recommendations include checking references, verifying licenses, and monitoring both financial and physical progress throughout any home improvement or construction project.
