Oklahoma Builder Accused of Defrauding Homeowners

A dozen counts of home repair fraud have been filed against a Muskogee, Okla., builder accused of defrauding homeowners.

Charges were filed Tuesday in Lincoln County District Court against 36-year-old Jason Priest. The charges filed by the Attorney General’s Office’s allege a pattern of home repair fraud.

Priest owns of JMP Buildings and Muskogee Barn Company. The charges allege he signed contracts and accepted payments to build barns or outbuildings in 12 Oklahoma counties between 2009 and 2011.

Prosecutors allege that Priest completed building frames and then accepted additional payments from homeowners but allegedly never completed the work. Investigators believe the victims lost a total of more than $82,000.

Court records indicate a warrant has been issued for Priest’s arrest. It was not immediately clear if he has hired an attorney.