SMITHFIELD – A self-employed paving contractor is accused of defrauding a Smithfield-area resident. Jesse Lynn Woods Jr., age 41, of Wilson, NC was arrested December 14 in Wayne County, and served with a warrant from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, charging him with felony obtaining property by false pretense.
On November 8, the victim said Woods showed up at his Wilson’s Mills Road home and agreed to pave his driveway for $4,100. The victim paid cash upfront for the job and Woods left. Later, Woods returned and left paving equipment at the victim’s property.
Woods returned a few days later and picked up the paving equipment without doing any of the work, authorities said.
The victim contacted the contractor by telephone and demanded his money back. Woods reportedly refused to return the money and stopped all contact with the homeowner.
The victim reportedly the incident to the sheriff’s office.
What’s the lesson learned here?
Do not pay a contractor up front. Ever. If you hire a cheap handyman and he says he needs money for materials you go to the store/supply house with him.
Yeah, you should never give anyone a cent upfront- that should be your first clue that they are a crook. Second, Mr. Paving contractor, you should be honest and not be a piece of s..t! I hope you try to screw the wrong one and they stomp a mud hole in you and walk it dry!