Rienzi man arrested after taking $12,300 for home repairs, abandoning project
A Rienzi man was arrested May 13 after allegedly taking $12,300 for home repairs and performing only minimal work before abandoning the project, the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department said.
Authorities identified the suspect as Jacob Stewart, 32. Deputy Peeks took a complaint on April 22 after two homeowners said Stewart accepted the money for repairs but left the job incomplete, the department said.
The case was assigned to Investigator Aaron Stolz. Investigators collected financial records, a contract, photographs of the property and statements from the complainants, the sheriff’s department said. An affidavit was submitted to Justice Court for review and Justice Court Judge Craig Bishop issued a warrant for Stewart’s arrest.
Investigators Torie Jumper and Aaron Stolz made contact with Stewart on May 13 and took him into custody, the department said. Stewart appeared before Bishop on May 14 for an initial appearance and his bond was set at $25,000 professional bond. Home repair fraud can leave homeowners out money and without completed work; authorities say such cases are investigated to protect consumers. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
