St. Louis County, Missouri, [Date] — Matthew J. Laiben, a man from Washington County, Missouri, has been issued a criminal summons for allegedly defrauding homeowners who hired him for roofing work.
According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the victims hired Laiben, believing he was an employee of Conner Roofing, to repair their roof. On August 2, 2023, they wrote checks totaling $7,215.86 for the work. However, police reports state that Laiben never began the job, offering only excuses and fabricated delays when the homeowners asked for updates.
Despite repeated attempts to get the work started, the victims grew frustrated and sent a certified 10-day notice to Laiben on October 25, 2023, demanding that he begin the roofing project.
In May 2024, the St. Louis County Police interviewed Laiben, and he reportedly admitted to cashing the victims’ checks without completing the work.
As a result, Laiben has been charged with one count of stealing, specifically for taking over $750 from the victims. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has scheduled Laiben’s court appearance for December 17, 2024.