Sulphur Man Charged with Contractor Fraud, Arrested by Fraud Response Team

Published July 29, 2021

A Sulphur man has been arrested and charged with residential contractor fraud $5,000 – $25,000; failure to possess the required license for home improvements and residential construction; and exploitation of the infirmed (due to the victim’s age).

On April 16, 2021, detectives with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about Jeffery S. McDowell, Jr., 27, of Sulphur, in reference to possible contractor fraud. CPSO detectives learned during the investigation that the victim had hired McDowell with Absolute Roofing & Remodeling to perform construction work at her home. The victim said that in February of 2021, she paid McDowell half the money to begin the work. McDowell then contacted the victim and requested the remaining balance be paid before completing the work. Detectives then learned that McDowell did not return to complete the work after cashing the victim’s check. It was also found that McDowell did not have a valid contractor’s license.

On June 10, 2021, Calcasieu Parish detectives obtained a warrant signed by Judge Tony Fazzio for McDowell’s arrest. On July 21, 2021, McDowell was found in Texas, where he was extradited and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with residential contractor fraud $5,000 – $25,000; failure to possess the required license for home improvements and residential construction; and exploitation of the infirmed (due to the victim’s age). He was released later the same day on a $55,000 bond.

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 437-3405.

CPSO Detective Allen Cormier, Jr., is the lead investigator on this case.