Tagged News

• Contractor charged by feds in bribery scheme that implicated top state official Play Video

  November 30, 2023 5:43 PM

  LAFAYETTE - Seven months after the head of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries resigned after he was implicated in an apparent kickback scheme involving a contract the agency signed with a private contractor, federal prosecutors charged a contractor with conspiracy charges. The Advocate was first to report... more »

• Bridge work wrapping up, concrete error to be fixed by contractor Play Video

  May 10, 2023 4:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor crew made an error that they're trying to fix. It's work on Chevelle Drive in Baton Rouge and it's taken months only to run into a problem. Frank Bruscato went looking for answers and contacted 2 On Your Side. "We thought it was... more »

• Stolen tool trailer found nearly emptied following tip to 2 On Your Side Play Video

  February 24, 2023 3:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A tool trailer that was stolen from a job site Tuesday morning has been found. A viewer tip called into 2 On Your Side located the abandoned trailer on North 40th Street, not far from where it was taken. George Schamberger says the trailer is just... more »

• Man who lived in lakeside drug mansion also accused of taking money for botched construction job Play Video

  October 6, 2022 5:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A man with ties to a prolific drug ring operated out of a Baton Rouge mansion around the LSU lakes is also accused of leaving a woman with an incomplete roof project after taking her money. Brenda Robinson said she hired Frank Francisco Palma in December 2020... more »

• Driveway entrance replaced following call to 2 On Your Side Play Video

  July 1, 2022 4:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An entrance to a condominium community off of Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge was in need of some repairs. The Homeowner's Association had been trying for years to get help and recently contacted 2 On Your Side. The issue dates back about seven years, and Jennifer... more »

• Mess left by utility contractor following Hurricane Ida, homeowner wants it fixed Play Video

  March 3, 2022 3:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor was assigned to fix a downed power pole in a woman's backyard following Hurricane Ida, but that homeowner says the contractor did more damage than the hurricane. Tanya Joiner says her backyard has been a mess for months. She says she's been calling Entergy... more »

• Warrant issued for Livingston Parish contractor accused of fraud Play Video

  December 22, 2021 11:14 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A contractor whose license was suspended earlier this year has had a warrant issued for his arrest in a fraud case, the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office said. WBRZ received several complaints about Daniel Scott Tompkins of Tompkins All Purpose Construction, LLC one day after reporting a... more »

• Contractor behind emergency Sunshine Bridge repair still owes State Police nearly $900K Play Video

  February 5, 2021 5:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A contractor who defaulted on a number of state projects is accused of stiffing taxpayers to the tune of nearly $1 million. The company, Coastal Bridge, invoiced DOTD for a State Police detail. It was responsible for paying State Police but did not. Coastal Bridge was... more »

• Client upset over contractor taking nearly 2 years to finish job Play Video

  January 12, 2021 7:19 PM

  CENTREVILLE, Ms. - A Baton Rouge contractor is being accused of taking for a job and not completing work. This isn't the first time Edmund LeBlanc has been the focus of a WBRZ report . John Alexander says he entered into a $62,000 contract with On the Geaux Home... more »

• Veteran featured in On Your Side reports continues having issues with flood-damaged home Play Video

  February 24, 2020 6:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A WWII veteran has had his share of issues getting back into his home following the 2016 flood. It was in 2018 when 2 On Your Side first met Sam Moran at his home on Hanks Drive. Then, he was fighting with Restore Louisiana-appointed contractors to make... more »

• Shoddy repair work creating new problems for flood victim Play Video

  October 10, 2019 7:23 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - Rebuilding from the 2016 flood was complete for one Livingston Parish homeowner, but then a new nightmare began as all the repair work started to unravel. Henri LeBlanc says his Denham Springs home was officially repaired following the August 2016 flood when he noticed an issue... more »

• Property owner battles over land with construction crew Play Video

  March 1, 2019 6:29 PM

  HOLDEN - A property owner in Livingston Parish says her blood is boiling because a construction crew is using her driveway to access her neighbor's property. She says it's causing damage to her property. When she couldn't get the results she was hoping for after contacting the sheriff's office... more »

• Sewage overflow cleaned up following call to 2 On Your Side Play Video

  November 21, 2018 6:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One man is thankful ahead of Thanksgiving because of 2 On Your Side. A mess in his backyard has been cleaned up soon after he contacted WBRZ. Reginald Robinson had sewage spewing in his backyard off of 78th Avenue over the weekend. He found an open... more »

• Insurance company requesting itemized receipt from jailed contractor Play Video

  August 22, 2018 6:26 PM

  GREENWELL SPRINGS - A homeowner is having trouble with her insurance company, which tells her it won't release her supplemental insurance money without an itemized receipt. There's only one problem: the person who might have that receipt is behind bars. Vanessa Clymer says it's been a year-long battle and... more »

• Attorneys working to wrap contractor case involving Matthew Morris Play Video

  July 24, 2018 7:24 PM

  GONZALES - A case involving a contractor accused of fraud in multiple parishes could soon be coming to a close if the accused contractor takes a plea. The district attorney's in four parishes are working to bring everyone into agreement so people can move on. It's been a long... more »

• Restore Louisiana steps in to fix contractor's work following 2 OYS story Play Video

  May 16, 2018 6:52 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A homeowner who was at his wit's end is getting results following a 2 On Your Side story. Last week, Donnie Morgan said a contractor hired to fix up his flood-damaged home through the Restore Louisiana Program cut a few corners to get the job done.... more »

• Homeowner blames Restore LA contractor for shoddy work Play Video

  May 10, 2018 7:44 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A homeowner says he's been left with quite a mess and blames contractors hired through the Restore Louisiana Program for the shoddy work on his home. Donnie Morgan lives on S. Point Drive in Denham Springs. He was awarded money by the program and opted to... more »

• Volunteers step up after contractor agreement doesn't work out Play Video

  May 2, 2018 6:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Volunteers from Michigan are helping one woman rebuild from the August 2016 flood. The team with Samaritan's Purse has been busy restoring the home for the past few weeks. The homeowner was originally receiving help from Restore Louisiana, but that's been put on hold for the... more »

• Even contractors fed up with slow Restore LA process Play Video

  January 10, 2018 7:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Flood victims continue to express their frustration with Restore Louisiana. Many homeowners say they're waiting for paperwork to be approved in order to receive a check. For some, the process continues to be drawn-out. Baton Rouge contractors working to repair flood homes say they feel the... more »

• Man working on flooded BR home lied about contracting license, now faces fraud charges

  December 2, 2017 4:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Police say a man who lied about being a licensed contractor will face fraud charges. Nicholas Phillips, 27, was booked with residential fraud charges, records show. In Sept. of 2016, Phillips was hired by a resident whose home on Glenhaven Drive in Baton Rouge was affected... more »

• Homeowner says independent contractors created life-threatening issues in her home Play Video

  September 21, 2017 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A homeowner has a warning for others tonight after she says independent contractors did shoddy work in her home and it's now preventing her from moving back in following the August 2016 flood. At first glance, Angela Clapper's renovated home may look beautiful. But if you... more »

• Contractor arrested after failing to complete house remodeling, repairs

  September 11, 2017 1:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge contractor was arrested after he allegedly took $37,000 for incomplete work on a residence. According to police documents, David Gabriel Jr. was hired by the victim in December 2016 to remodel and repair his flood-damaged house. Gabriel was paid in advance to... more »

• Woman blames busted culvert on FEMA contractor Play Video

  August 30, 2017 4:30 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A crushed drainage pipe is causing a flooding problem whenever it rains. A homeowner says a truck drove over the culvert in front of her house and smashed the concrete pipe under her driveway. Shiela Weatherman says it happened when her FEMA Manufactured Housing Unit was... more »

• Contractor confronts man with his stolen trailer Play Video

  August 2, 2017 11:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A fast thinking contractor snapped several pictures of a stranger towing his stolen trailer. Jhonny Lopez said he confirmed the vin number and asked the man where he got it. "The guy said he bought it from someone else for $300," said Lopez. "But I think he... more »

• Charges dropped for contractor accused of fraud Play Video

  July 28, 2017 7:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Last year's flood has given some contractors a bad name, however one contractor says police threw him in jail without talking to him or even going to the home where he was doing the work. Wilson Reado was arrested in May for felony contractor fraud.... more »

• Contractor with expired license arrested for incomplete work

  July 27, 2017 5:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge police have arrested another contractor accused of home improvement fraud. According to police documents, Paul Carney was hired to repair the walls of a home damaged by last year's August flood. The homeowners observed repeated instances of "poor quality workmanship" from Carney. After... more »

• Homeowner says contractor forged her signature to get money Play Video

  July 24, 2017 6:22 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - A family hired a contractor who knocked on their door a few weeks after the August flood. They thought the construction would be finished by now, but it's far from it. Joycelin Ebbers says her contractor did something without her permission and it involves forging her... more »

• EBRSO: Fraud contractor paid thousands, never finished flood repairs

  June 29, 2017 9:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge sheriff's deputies say an unlicensed contractor is accused of making shoddy repairs to a flood victim's home and taking thousands of dollars. EBRSO deputies say Michael Hartford Jr. was paid $11,800 by a flood victim to make repairs to damages caused by the... more »

• Unlicensed contractor accused of swindling flood victim

  June 24, 2017 12:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor was arrested after he allegedly took money from an August flood victim and failed to complete work on his home. The affidavit says Jason Rushing met with a man about fixing his home after taking damage from last year's flood. Rushing reportedly told the... more »

• Contractor accused of fraud says, it's 'not the complete truth' Play Video

  June 14, 2017 6:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor facing fraud charges in three parishes went before the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors Wednesday morning. Michael Simmers with TWG LLC stepped in front of a podium prepared to address alleged violations against him, but his hearing has been postponed. "My lawyer... more »

• Accused fraudulent contractor's wife says they will lift all liens on customers' properties

  June 7, 2017 9:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The wife of a contractor arrested on several counts of fraud across multiple parishes has released a statement on behalf of their company Wednesday. Matthew Morris is accused of taking advantage of victims of the August flood and placing liens on many of those victims' homes.... more »

• Baton Rouge contractor arrested, reportedly committed fraud against flood victim

  June 6, 2017 10:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge contractor was arrested Tuesday after he reportedly failed to make repairs on a flood victim's home. According to arrest records, Joseph Armant, 35, owner of RJ Custom Home & Interior, Inc., was arrested after a complaint was filed on April 19 by the... more »

• Surveillance captures daytime theft in Baton Rouge Play Video

  June 6, 2017 7:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A pistol, some tools and about $700 in cash was the take for two thieves on a densely populated street Tuesday morning, according to the victim. Contractor Bert Koerin said he and his crew had just began work inside an apartment in the Sherwood Meadows neighborhood of... more »

• Contractor faces fraud charges in three parishes Play Video

  June 6, 2017 5:32 PM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH- A subcontractor from the New Orleans area who is unlicensed, according to arrest documents obtained by the WBRZ Investigative Unit, is accused of taking flood victims and contractors for a ride in three parishes. Chris Barron faces charges in Livingston, Ascension and East Baton Rouge parishes. Currently, he's... more »

• Man facing contractor fraud charges in Ascension, Livingston arrested again

  June 1, 2017 5:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A man, who already faces a slew of contractor fraud charges in Livingston and Ascension Parishes , is now facing more charges in East Baton Rouge Parish. Police arrested 46-year-old Michael Simmers on charges of residential contractor fraud after receiving a complaint on March 8. The... more »

• Contractor arrested after fraud forces elderly BR man to sell home

  May 20, 2017 5:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Police say an elderly Baton Rouge man was forced to sell his flood-damaged home after he was allegedly scammed by a Texas contractor. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, 45-year-old David Kite was arrested Friday after he allegedly took thousands of dollars from a 71-year-old... more »

• Contractor admits spending elderly customer's money, arrested

  May 6, 2017 12:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A Mississippi contractor was arrested after he admitted spending over $2,000 an elderly person gave him to complete repairs. According to arrest records, on April 20, a deputy with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office was informed of the case. The victim, who is over... more »

• More victims, more charges pending for contracting company Play Video

  April 28, 2017 6:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Another contractor with ties to TWG Contractors has a warrant out for their arrest. Dean Stiller, who is listed as an officer of the company is facing a residential contractor fraud charge. The warrant filed in East Baton Rouge Parish, says Stiller intentionally failed to possess... more »

• State Licensing board talks contractor fraud

  April 27, 2017 9:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Yet another chance for flood victims to ask questions, but this time, the answerer is different. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors will be on hand Thursday at Dutch Physical Therapy in Denham Springs, to talk contractor fraud. Thursday is the second of a... more »

• UPDATE: woman charged after accusing contractor of fraud

  April 18, 2017 11:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE – A woman who accused a Zachary based contractor of residential contractor fraud was arrested for criminal mischief. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Mary Buck, 27, was issued a misdemeanor summons for criminal mischief earlier this month. Buck was charged after an arrest warrant... more »

• FEMA dirt pile creating mess for property owner Play Video

  April 17, 2017 6:12 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - Large mounds of dirt have been creating an issue for a homeowner who recently moved back into his home following the August flood. Donald Spencer says the dirt washes from the property next door onto his yard every time it rains and sits on his property.... more »

• Man accused of failing to complete repairs on home after paid $36,000

  April 13, 2017 5:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrested a man after a woman says that he never completed repairs on her home that was damaged by a fire when he was paid $36,000 to do so. Deputies arrested 40-year-old Leonel Alexander Carbajal for charges of residential contractor... more »

• Matthew Morris says through attorney liens will be dropped Play Video

  April 13, 2017 11:26 AM

  UPDATE: Matthew Morris was booked on four counts of residential contract fraud, two counts of theft and one count of insurance fraud Thursday. Morris' lawyer released this statement Friday: "Mr. Morris is innocent of the criminal charges against him. This is a civil matter, not a criminal one,... more »

• Matthew Morris pleads not guilty to 84 charges in Ascension Parish

  April 12, 2017 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A Livingston Parish grand jury has indicted a contractor on 51 counts of charges including contractor fraud after investigators say he scammed 11 victims after the flood. The indictment in Livingston Parish comes two days after a grand jury in Ascension Parish indicted Matthew Morris on... more »

• Contractor hired in good faith had no license, but does now Play Video

  April 7, 2017 6:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor facing fraud charges in Baton Rouge has bonded out of jail. A homeowner who filed charges against Sargent Pitcher is worried he'll wreak havoc in another's home. Rick Bueche says he hired Pitcher in good faith and had two criteria to meet. "You... more »

• Contractor booked in March arrested again in Ascension Play Video

  April 6, 2017 11:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor arrested on fraud charges, also arrested in Livingston Parish Thursday, was booked in Ascension Parish Friday. Michael Simmers was charged with residential contractor fraud and theft of assets from an aged or disabled person. He is being held at Ascension Parish Jail. Simmers, the owner... more »

• LPSO looking for wanted contractor accused of fraud

  April 6, 2017 12:01 AM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH - The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office is looking for a contractor accused of fraud. LPSO officials say Michael Simmers of Prairieville is wanted on a charge of residential contractor fraud. Simmers is the owner of TWG Contractors. In March, Simmers was charged with one count... more »

• Police: man arrested for not completing repair work, not having contractor's license

  March 31, 2017 4:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE – A man has been arrested after police say he did not complete work on a home that he was paid more than $1,000 to do and does not have a contractor's license. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrested 48-year-old Tyrone Fultz for charges of residential... more »

• Baton Rouge contractor could help build border wall Play Video

  March 30, 2017 10:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A civil contractor said Thursday he's on the short list to help build President Donald Trump's wall on the Mexican border. James Larry Prudhomme, a Trump supporter, has run his company JL Investments in Baton Rouge for over a decade with a focus on commercial construction. ... more »

• Contractor accused of not completing work on flood damaged home

  March 30, 2017 10:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Police say another contractor has been charged with home improvement fraud after not completing work on a house damaged by the August floods. Chancellor Orlando Porche was charged with one felony count of home improvement fraud Thursday. He was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish... more »

• Baton Rouge woman arrested for contractor fraud

  March 28, 2017 2:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A woman was arrested for contractor fraud after she allegedly tried to take advantage of a flood victim. Deputies arrested 58-year-old Ora Williams of Baton Rouge after she reportedly lied to the victim about being a licensed contractor. According to the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's... more »

• More victims come forward, Matthew Morris case grows Play Video

  March 20, 2017 6:30 PM

  GONZALES - A hearing to revoke the bond for Matthew Morris of Complete Construction did not happen Monday, Judge Jessie LeBlanc continued the motion and it has not been rescheduled. More victims continue to come forward. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office says another victim who hired Complete Construction filed... more »

• New Orleans man arrested for alleged home repair fraud in Baton Rouge

  March 18, 2017 1:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE -- A New Orleans man who took payment to replace a roof just after the August floods was arrested Friday on fraud and theft charges. Police say Melvin Hendricks took a $4,200 initial payment and promised to replace a roof at a flood-damaged home, according to Hendricks'... more »

• Contractor arrested over undone work

  March 18, 2017 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE -- A contractor who took $4,000 to remove and replace a flooded air conditioning system was arrested Friday. Laroy Turnipseed Sr. was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a count of misapplication of payment by a contractor. A woman whose house was flooded told... more »

• Justice for woman who hired contractor accused of scamming victims Play Video

  March 15, 2017 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One of the dozens of victims allegedly taken advantage of by Complete Construction's Matthew Morris, has some good news. Last month, 2 On Your Side visited the gutted Denham Springs home of Courtney Stricklin. Then, she was dealing with a lien on her home that prevented... more »

• BRPD: contractor accused of scamming elderly victim

  March 15, 2017 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Baton Rouge Police detectives have arrested a Denham Springs contractor on multiple fraud charges Wednesday. Police say Andrew Darian was charged with two counts of home improvement fraud, felony theft, misapplication of payment and theft of assets of an aged person. Investigators say two victims,... more »

• Contractor accused of stealing thousands from flood victim arrested a second time

  March 7, 2017 4:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A South Carolina man has been arrested for contractor fraud a second time after he was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a flood victim. According to EBRSO, 49-year-old Gregory Gager was arrested Tuesday on charges of home improvement fraud and misapplication of contractor pay.... more »

• Accused fraud contractor arrested by Walker Police Department

  February 23, 2017 9:47 PM

  WALKER - The contractor accused of fraud in Ascension, Livingston, and East Baton Rouge Parishes has been charged again by the Walker Police Department. Walker Police obtained a warrant for Matthew Morris' arrest on charges of residential contractor fraud, contractor misapplication of insurance payments, insurance fraud, and extortion. ... more »

• Authorities searching for suspect in multiple August flood fraud cases

  February 18, 2017 6:48 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Multiple police agencies are searching for a man after he allegedly committed contractor fraud against several victims of the 2016 Baton Rouge floods. Matthew Morris, owner of Complete Construction Contractors, is wanted by the Baton Rouge Police Department, Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office and Walker Police department... more »

• New info on contractor accused of stealing thousands from flood victim

  February 15, 2017 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A contractor is set to be booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Jail Wednesday after he allegedly took thousands of dollars in payments from a flood victim without completing repairs. According to the victim, she paid 49-year-old Gregory Gager an initial deposit of $2,500, plus... more »

• Woman taken advantage of by contractor, asking victims come forward Play Video

  February 12, 2017 5:39 PM

  PRAIRIEVILLE - A woman says she was taken advantage of by a contractor, filed a report with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, State Attorney General and the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. When she didn't think enough was being done, she took matters into her own hands and tracked... more »

• Charges refused against contractor accused of fraud

  February 10, 2017 4:51 PM

  UPDATE: District Attorney Ricky Babin said charges against Gregory Gager have been refused and his bond was returned. Babin said the there was not enough evidence to pursue charges. Original story from Feb. 10, 2017: ASCENSION PARISH – A South Carolina contractor was arrested for fraud... more »