SHELBY TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - A Macomb County contractor that was paid tens of thousands of dollars to build an inground pool was arraigned on multiple fraud charges after he never did the job -- now police are looking for other possible victims.
The Shelby Township Police Department said they began investigating Brandon Lewis Heitmann, 30, of Washington Township and owner of Exigent Design in June after a Macomb County resident filed a police report accusing the contractor of not completing a job she had paid for.
According to the report, the homeowner claimed she hired Heitmann to dig out and install an inground pool at her home in August of 2022. She agreed to pay a $60,000 deposit with a completion date for the project slated for June 2023.
Only, the woman claims Heitmann failed to start the job even after he received the deposit last year.
When detectives went to investigate, Heitmann allegedly told them that "he was having financial problems and could not complete the job or refund the money to the homeowners."
The 30-year-old was arrested and arraigned on July 28 for the following charges:
• False Pretenses -$50,000 or more but less than $100,000
• Contractor – Fraudulent use of building contract fund
A judge set his bond at $30,000 cash/surety.
Since police began their initial investigation, Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said they're looking into a second scam case also involving Heitmann -- and they believe other victims are out there.
"I urge anyone who feels that they may have been scammed by this contractor to file a report immediately with their local police department." Shelide advised.