Milwaukee Homeowners Speak Out After Losing $20,000 to Alleged Contractor Theft

A South Milwaukee roofing contractor is now facing serious felony theft charges after allegedly accepting large down payments for roofing and siding work that was never completed, leaving local homeowners out thousands of dollars and seeking justice.

 

According to reporting by FOX6 News Milwaukee, contractor Owen Masters, operating under the business Property Restoration Professionals , appeared in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on multiple counts of felony Theft by Contractor as Party to a Crime connected to three separate projects. Prosecutors allege that customers paid substantial amounts - including one couple that handed over $20,000 for a siding replacement - yet no work was ever performed.

 

📺 Watch the FOX6 News segment featuring Attorney Jonathan Cattey:
👉 Roofing contractor in court on felony theft charges - https://www.fox6now.com/news/roofing-contractor-court-felony-theft-charges

 

What Happened in the Case

 

According to police reports, South Milwaukee authorities investigated after multiple homeowners reported that they had paid significant down payments with the expectation that their roofs and siding would be replaced following a hailstorm. Instead, no permits were pulled and no work was started on these projects.

One victim, represented by attorney Jonathan Cattey, shared that the loss has been a heavy financial burden for his client and his family. In court documents, evidence including bank records and testimony from former sales staff helped form the basis for the felony charges.

 

During his court appearance, defense counsel noted that Masters has struggled with substance abuse issues, but the main concern for injured homeowners remains getting compensated for their losses. The court set bond while the case continues to move through the legal system.

 

Why This Matters

 

Cases like this highlight an important legal issue in Wisconsin: contractors who take payment for work that they never intend to perform may face steep criminal penalties under Wisconsin's theft and contractor statutes. Allegations of theft by contractor involve allegations that a contractor received money under the guise of performing construction work and then intentionally failed to complete the job or misused the funds.

 

Victims of contractor theft may have both criminal and civil legal options- including pursuing restitution through civil lawsuits in addition to supporting criminal charges brought by prosecutors.

 

Legal Guidance for Homeowners

 

If you believe you've been a victim of a contractor who took payment and failed to perform contracted work, it's important to:

• Preserve all contracts, receipts, and communication records;

• Report your situation to local law enforcement and consumer protection agencies;

• Consult with an experienced attorney about your legal options- both criminal and civil; and

• Understand that you may be entitled to recovery of your losses through restitution or civil damages.
  
  

Staying Informed

 

This case is ongoing, and further court filings and hearings will likely shed more light on the allegations and potential outcomes. Homeowners in similar situations should remain vigilant, document all evidence, and seek legal counsel early to protect their rights.