A Las Vegas landscaper, Jon Thomas Banning, owner of JTB Landscaping, was sentenced on Tuesday to four to 10 years in prison for taking large deposits from dozens of homeowners—many seniors—for landscaping and pool projects he never completed. Victims reported losing tens of thousands of dollars each, with total losses exceeding $308,000. Banning faced eight felony counts related to fraudulent business practices and was taken into custody on an outstanding felony warrant. The Nevada State Contractors Board investigated his actions and forwarded its findings to the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
How the scheme worked
Homeowners told investigators they were asked for hefty upfront deposits — in some cases tens of thousands of dollars — for landscaping and pool projects that were never started or left sitting half-done. Complaints accused Banning of collecting those down payments, refusing to return unearned funds and leaving customers stuck with unfinished jobs and, in some instances, liens from suppliers. Those complaints prompted the contractors board’s probe and the eventual criminal case, according to FOX5 Las Vegas.
Victims and the investigation
Many of the homeowners who filed complaints were seniors, and several said they lost tens of thousands of dollars apiece, according to 8 News Now. The station reported that the Nevada State Contractors Board’s investigation uncovered a pattern of Banning taking deposits for landscaping and pool work and refusing to refund unearned money, which the Nevada Attorney General’s Office then pursued criminally.
What authorities said
Executive staff at the Nevada State Contractors Board framed the case as part of a broader effort to shield vulnerable homeowners from predatory contractors. NSCB Executive Officer David Behar told FOX5 Las Vegas, "Our Board appreciates the partnership and swift efforts of the Attorney General’s Office." In its public statements, the board emphasized its role in referring the matter to prosecutors and in guarding against contractor abuse.
How homeowners can respond
Homeowners who believe they were harmed can file a complaint with the Nevada State Contractors Board and, in some cases, seek partial recovery through the Residential Recovery Fund, according to the Nevada State Contractors Board. The board’s consumer pages outline eligibility rules, the documentation required and how to start a claim after an incomplete or unpaid project.
