Shreveport, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Melvin Hill, the owner of High-End Painting, has been arrested for residential contractor fraud after failing to complete home repairs for a client in Shreveport. The homeowner reported that she had paid a total of $35,000 for work that was never completed, leading to an investigation revealing Hill’s lack of a valid contractor’s license. Detectives are urging other potential victims to come forward and report similar incidents. As contractor fraud rises, it’s vital for homeowners to verify a contractor’s credentials before hiring.
Shreveport – Melvin Hill, the owner of High-End Painting, has been arrested on charges of residential contractor fraud following an investigation initiated by a homeowner’s complaint. Hill was already in custody at the Caddo Correctional Center due to unrelated charges when he was charged with fraud on March 11, 2024.
A resident from the Oak Forrest Subdivision in Shreveport had filed a report to the police after entering into a contract with Hill on July 2, 2024. The homeowner contracted Hill for $49,000 to carry out various repairs on her home. She made an initial payment of $25,000 upon signing the contract, followed by an additional $10,000 payment on October 17, 2024, but was left dissatisfied when Hill failed to complete the agreed-upon work.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered that Hill did not hold a valid residential contractor’s license or home improvement registration. This lack of credentials was confirmed by officials at the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Proceeding without the necessary legal permissions raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of his contracting business.
Authorities from the Shreveport Police Department are now urging residents who may have encountered similar fraudulent activities to come forward and report their experiences. They emphasize the importance of verifying a contractor’s license before entering into any agreements to avoid potential scams.
Details of the Case
The homeowner’s ordeal began when she trusted Hill with her home repairs, only to find that he had not delivered on his promises after receiving nearly three-quarters of the total payment. Such cases of contractor fraud can leave victims in distress, facing not only financial losses but also the headache of searching for legitimate contractors to complete necessary repairs.
Background on Contractor Licensing
The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors requires individuals or companies engaged in residential contracting to obtain a license to operate legally within the state. This regulation is intended to protect consumers from unqualified individuals who may not adhere to industry standards for safety, quality of work, and legal compliance.
Contractor fraud is a serious offense that can take various forms, including failed promises to complete work, charging for unrendered services, or lacking proper licensing to perform the job. Homeowners are urged to conduct thorough background checks before hiring contractors and to verify credentials through relevant state boards.
Call to Action for Residents
Local law enforcement is committed to addressing and preventing contractor fraud. Individuals who suspect they may have fallen victim to such fraudulent practices are encouraged to reach out to investigators in their area. Reporting these incidents not only aids in the investigation of specific cases but also helps to protect the community from future fraud.
Statistics on Contractor Fraud
- In 2022, over 30% of home improvement complaints received were related to contractor fraud.
- Nationally, the average financial loss per victim of contractor fraud is around $5,000.
- Less than 15% of homeowners reported their cases to law enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is residential contractor fraud?
Residential contractor fraud involves a contractor failing to complete agreed-upon work, taking advance payments without delivering services, or operating without a valid license.
How can homeowners protect themselves from contractor fraud?
Homeowners should verify a contractor’s license, request references, and read reviews before hiring anyone for home improvement projects.
What should I do if I suspect I’ve been a victim of contractor fraud?
You should report the incident to local authorities and consider contacting the state’s licensing board to verify the contractor’s credentials.
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Shreveport Man Charged with Residential Contractor Fraud
- Wikipedia: Contractor Fraud
- Eastern Progress: Doing Better Business with Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
- Google Search: Contractor Fraud Louisiana
- Financial Content: Shreveport LA Roofers Triumph Roofing and Construction Expand Service Area
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contractor Licensing
- KTBS: Construction Underway for Shreveport-Bossier Ronald McDonald House
- Google News: Contractor Licensing Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
