Walker County contractor facing criminal charges following homeowner complaints

Contractor David A. Smith based out of Walker County is facing criminal charges of home repair fraud. An investigator confirms three warrants are out for Smith's arrest in Winston County. Investigator Jacob Eward tells ABC3340 News the warrants are connected to three victims in Winston County. Their losses are reported to be $55,483.

ABC340 News spoke with Smith's attorney by phone Thursday. Attorney Ron Davidson says his client will turn himself into authorities. Davidson told ABC3340 News Smith "is not a criminal, he's been in business 32 years." Davidson says his client stretched himself thin and used "money from Peter to pay Paul," and there was no intent to defraud anyone.

We asked why Smith was working without a home builders license as required by law? Davidson says Smith applied for a license in 2017 and was denied.

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Several of Smith's customers have filed police reports to bring criminal charges saying they were victims of fraud paying for materials that were never purchased and projects that were never completed.

ABC3340's I-team has profiled several families across central Alabama who say they are owed thousands of dollars. Thursday bankruptcy proceedings began in federal court for Smith.

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ABC3340 News will continue to follow this story.