The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City today reported significant developments in the case of Bryan O’Neal Jones, a fake home contractor who exploited elderly residents. Jones pleaded guilty to theft and the financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, securing a hefty 20-year prison term with an additional three years of probation and nearly $300,000 in restitution owed to his victims.
The reprehensible conduct of Jones lay in his deceptive actions, using the guise of a contractor to lure in elderly individuals with promises of home renovations, only to swindle their funds and damage their homes. Chief Shari Greene led a meticulous investigation that resulted in Jones' conviction. State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates expressed his commendation for her efforts, stating, "I applaud Chief Shari Greene for diving into the evidence in this case to uncover Mr. Jones’ scheme and ultimately hold him accountable," according to the press release issued by his office.
Jones, who operated BOJ & Sons Construction, LLC, lost his contractor's license back in October 2021, yet continued to promote and sell non-existent services via Facebook, even after the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) suspended his license. Authorities say Jones perpetuated his scheme by still promoting his work on his Facebook page and crafting contracts filled with lies about his credentials, including false claims of being licensed, bonded, and insured, and providing victims with a fabricated MHIC number.
Adding to the complex web of deceit, Jones portrayed himself as a pastor, often donning a clergy collar during meetings with potential clients. This ruse led his victims to place deeper trust in him by their presumed faith and morality. The situation escalated to morally bankrupt criminal behavior. Jones ceased any pretense of delivering services after collecting cash from customers. Jones now faces a concurrent three-year sentence tied to separate theft cases, as he was found guilty of a similar scheme prosecuted by Baltimore City’s State’s Attorney’s Office.
