Shreveport, August 30, 2025
News Summary
A Shreveport man, Melvin Hill, was arrested for allegedly taking $35,000 in advance for home repairs that were never completed. Hill, owner of High-End Painting, began work on the renovations but delayed the project extensively. Investigations revealed he lacked a valid contractor’s license, raising concerns of fraudulent practices. The police have urged other potential victims to come forward as they continue to investigate contractor fraud cases in the area.
Shreveport – A local man has been arrested for residential contractor fraud after allegedly taking $35,000 from a victim for home repairs that were never completed. Melvin Hill, the owner of High-End Painting, was apprehended by the police while already in custody on unrelated charges at the Caddo Correctional Center.
The fraud case began on July 2 when a victim entered into a contract with Hill for comprehensive renovations to her home. Hill had quoted a total of $49,000 for repairs encompassing both interior and exterior work. As part of the agreement, the victim made an initial payment of $25,000 at the time of signing the contract. This was followed by a second payment of $10,000 on October 17, after which the contractor reportedly began delaying the project’s completion.
As the situation unfolded, the victim grew increasingly concerned about the lack of progress on her home repairs. In her attempts to resolve the matter, she discovered that Hill did not hold a valid residential contractor’s license or registration with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. This lack of credentials further fueled suspicions regarding Hill’s legitimacy as a contractor.
The Shreveport Police Department has confirmed the details of the arrest and is advising anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to similar fraudulent schemes to come forward and report their experiences. Detectives are actively investigating claims related to contractor fraud in the area, emphasizing the importance of hiring licensed professionals for home improvement projects.
Details of the Fraud Investigation
As authorities delve deeper into Hill’s activities, several facts have come to light. Initially arrested for different offenses, Hill’s situation has escalated with these new charges related to contractor fraud. The victim’s initial contract specified that the $49,000 payment would cover all necessary repairs, which were to be conducted promptly. However, despite receiving substantial payments, Hill failed to deliver on his commitments.
Legal Consequences for Fraudulent Contractors
Contractor fraud is a serious crime that not only affects individual victims financially but can also undermine trust in the home improvement industry. In Louisiana, contractors are required to be licensed and registered to ensure that they meet safety and quality standards. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
How to Protect Yourself from Contractor Fraud
To avoid becoming a victim of contractor fraud, homeowners are encouraged to take several precautionary steps:
- Always check the contractor’s licensing and registration status.
- Request references and review previous work.
- Obtain multiple quotes to understand the fair market rate for services.
- Document all agreements and payments in writing.
- Be cautious of contractors requiring large upfront payments.
Authorities in Shreveport continue to investigate and are calling for more victims to report any suspicious activities related to their home renovations. As this case unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and informed when selecting contractors.
FAQ Section
What are the charges against Melvin Hill?
Melvin Hill has been arrested for residential contractor fraud, accused of taking $35,000 for repairs that were not completed and lacking a valid contractor’s license.
How can I avoid contractor fraud?
To avoid contractor fraud, always check a contractor’s license, seek references, obtain multiple quotes, document agreements, and be cautious of high upfront payments.
What should I do if I suspect contractor fraud?
If you suspect contractor fraud, you should report your concerns to local authorities or the relevant licensing board for investigation.
Key Features of Contractor Fraud
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Advance Payment | Contractors asking for large upfront payments can be a red flag. |
| Lack of License | Legitimate contractors should always have a valid license. |
| Delayed Completion | Frequent delays may indicate untrustworthy practices. |
| No References | A reputable contractor should provide references from past clients. |
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Additional Resources
- KTBS: Shreveport Man Charged with Residential Contractor Fraud
- Wikipedia: Contractor Fraud
- Eastern Progress: Better Business with Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
- Google Search: Contractor Fraud Louisiana
- KSLA: Mold Found in Hotel Being Built in Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Contractor Fraud
- The Advocate: Louisiana’s Second Buc-ee’s Construction on Hold
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contractors
- Market Financial Content: Triumph Roofing and Construction Expand Service Area
- Google News: Shreveport News
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.
