Update – More Arrests Made in Contractor Fraud Case
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
Press Release – Since Walter Monroe Smith, Sr.’s arrest in July, several other victims have come forward claiming projects that were started were not completed or work that had been paid for had not been started. Detectives had continued their investigation and through these new complaints, they were able to obtain warrants for five additional counts of Home Improvement Fraud >$1500 on Smith, Sr.
On Tuesday, August 22nd, Smith, Sr. turned himself in at the Rapides Parish Courthouse where he was arrested and booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. Smith, Sr. was later released on a $15,000 bond.
Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing and more charges are possible.
Arrestee: Walter Monroe Smith, Sr. 67, Pineville, LA
Charges: five counts Home Improvement Fraud >$1500
Original Story – On May 18th, 2017, deputies responded to a residence on Belgard Bend Road in reference to a report of possible contractor fraud. The victim reported the suspects company was hired to do some home improvements at the residence and from the work that was done, according to the victim, more damage was done to the residence than was repaired. Deputies took the initial report with pictures and the case was turned over to detectives for further investigation.
Through their investigation, detectives determined the suspect, identified as Walter Monroe Smith, Sr, 67 of Pineville, had also allegedly committed contractor fraud at another residence on North Bolton Avenue at a prior home improvement job site. Detectives established sufficient probable cause to support the initial allegations and warrants were obtained for the arrest of Smith, Sr. On July 19th, 2017, Smith, Sr. turned himself in to Detectives and was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for 2 counts of Home Improvement Fraud > $1500.00. Smith, Sr. was later released on a $20,000.00 bond.
Detectives say their investigation is continuing and if there have been any more victims of contractor fraud, please call the Criminal Investigation Division at 318-473-6727.
Arrestee: Walter Monroe Smith, Sr, 67, Pineville, LA
Charges: two counts Home Improvement Fraud >$1500
