SENOIA, GA — Nearly 30 homeowners have filed complaints against Nathan Gividen, a Senoia man charged with Felony Theft by Deception after allegedly posing as a licensed contractor and accepting thousands of dollars for construction work he never completed.
The case first emerged in April 2025, when a homeowner reported to Senoia Police that Gividen had failed to build a detached garage despite being paid a $17,100 deposit in April 2024. Gividen had claimed to be a licensed contractor capable of securing a building permit — but an investigation revealed otherwise.
According to police, Gividen’s contractor license expired in 2012, his business license was revoked in 2018, and his company, Southern Oaks Construction LLC, was dissolved in 2016. Without the proper credentials, he could not legally obtain permits from the City of Senoia.
Gividen turned himself in on July 31 and was released on bond.
Since his arrest, 29 additional homeowners have reported similar stories. Most claim Gividen requested large upfront payments, demanded additional funds mid-project, and then left jobs unfinished. Others complained about poor-quality work and requests for personal loans.
“He even approached a handful of my victims requesting personal loans,” said Senoia Police Captain Jason Ercole.
Police are urging homeowners to verify contractor credentials, noting that a business license alone does not confirm someone is a licensed contractor. Ercole warned that asking for full payment upfront is a major red flag and advised staying in contact with subcontractors during projects. Some subcontractors have reportedly not been paid by Gividen and could place liens on the homeowners’ properties.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may follow.
