A Van Buren County family, already reeling from the loss of their home in a fire, has reported a devastating financial blow due to the alleged misconduct of an unlicensed contractor. According to the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, Gordon Leighton, a 58-year-old man from the Lawton area, has been charged with felony contractor fraud and misdemeanor unlicensed residential builder. This series of unfortunate events transpired after the family hired Leighton to construct their new home, having already paid him $95,000. Leighton started building the home by pouring the foundation in January 2023 but ceased all work by October 2023, leaving the residence as nothing more than an unfinished frame.
The family, whom the fire had displaced from their home, took to renting an apartment while awaiting the completion of their new home. The sheriff’s office stated that their investigation, which began in August, revealed that the "home has stood as just a stick frame house with no siding or interior work being completed." Meanwhile, the family found themselves out of considerable funds with no progress to show for it.
Leighton was arrested on December 23, 2024, and subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond the same day. In a press release posted on the county’s website, the Van Buren County Sheriff, Daniel E. Abbott, detailed the suspect's deceptive practices. "During the investigation it was found that Leighton was operating without a license and had been moving funds around from other jobs to cover the costs on other constructions," as per the sheriff’s news release. This discovery indicates a possible pattern of fraudulent behavior, suggesting that there could be more victims who have yet to come forward.
Authorities have expressed concerns that this case may not be isolated, and they encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at 269.657.3101. The office has increased its resources in anticipation of more potential victims, as this seems to be a larger scam affecting other homeowners in the area.
