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2 From Texas Arrested for Contractor Fraud in Calcasieu Parish

Published July 28, 2021

Two from Texas have been arrested by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and charged with residential contractor fraud of $25,000 or more; residential contractor fraud no license.

Lake Charles, LA – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office has reported that on October 19, 2020, CPSO detectives received a complaint about possible contractor fraud. Detectives indicated that during the investigation, the victims advised them that in August of 2020, she hired William D. Deremer III, 39, Pearland, TX, with Southern Outfitters to complete tree removal and home repairs at her residence. After initially paying Deremer $28,000, the victim learned that he falsified documents and sent them to her insurance company, which included billing for equipment that was never onsite. The victim went on to say that she received a bill from Deremer, for approximately $80,000 worth of work that was not completed at the residence.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives found that the first $28,000 check was cashed by Deremer’s girlfriend, Jennifer L. Guerra, 36, Pearland, TX, who also worked at Southern Outfitters. CPSO detectives also learned that neither Deremer nor Guerra possessed a contractor’s license in Louisiana at the time the victim entered into an agreement for repairs and made the initial payment.

On May 15, 2021, further investigation in the case lead to warrants being issued for the arrest of Deremer and Guerra. The two were arrested on July 12, 2021, and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center, charged with residential contractor fraud $25,000 or more; and residential contractor fraud no license.

Deremer and Guerra were both released the following day on $40,000 bonds.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office are working together to fight contractor fraud. If you believe you have been a victim of contractor fraud or are unsure whether an actual crime has been committed call the Contractor Fraud Response Team at 337-437-3405.

CPSO Detective James Rathke is the lead investigator on this case.

Featured image source: CPSO