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Shreveport Residents on Alert: Contractor Fraud Cases on the Rise

Image depicting a distressed homeowner amid unfinished repair work.

News Summary

Shreveport homeowners are on high alert as two men face charges of contractor fraud after taking substantial payments for unfinished home repairs. Melvin Hill and Terrance Abraham are accused of exploiting victims, highlighting the importance of ensuring contractors are licensed. Residents are urged to report similar fraudulent activities to protect themselves and their neighbors.

Shreveport Residents on Alert: Contractor Fraud Cases on the Rise

Two Men Arrested, Highlighting Concerns Over Unfinished Home Repairs

In an unsettling turn of events for homeowners in Shreveport, two men have been arrested on charges of contractor fraud. Melvin Hill, a local contractor, found himself in hot water after he was accused of taking substantial payments for household repairs without delivering on his promises. Meanwhile, another man, Terrance Abraham, joins Hill in facing serious allegations, making this a cautionary tale for anyone looking to renovate their home.

The Case Against Melvin Hill

Melvin Hill’s troubles began when a female victim reported that he had taken her money for a series of promised home repairs. On July 2, the victim entered into a contract with Hill for repair work that was quoted at a staggering $49,000. To get things rolling, she handed over $25,000 upfront on the same day.

As the weeks rolled by and work remained unfinished, the victim made a second payment of $10,000 on October 17, 2023, believing that this would expedite the completion of her home repairs. However, rather than seeing progress, she faced further delays and ultimately realized that Hill was not fulfilling his side of the agreement.

After investigating the claims, the Shreveport police charged Hill with residential contractor fraud, all while he was already incarcerated at Caddo Correctional Center on unrelated charges. During the investigation, police reached out to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, only to find that Hill did not possess a valid residential contractor’s license or home improvement registration.

Another Suspect: Terrance Abraham

In a separate but similarly troubling case, Shreveport is also searching for Terrance Abraham, another man wanted for contractor fraud. Authorities allege that Abraham took over $40,000 from a homeowner without completing the contracted renovations for both interior and exterior remodeling.

Like Hill, Abraham did not possess the necessary permits to conduct his work legally, leaving homeowners feeling vulnerable and exploited. The victim in this case reported making several payments to Abraham between November 2023 and March 2024, hoping to see the renovations completed. Instead, they were left with unfinished work and an empty wallet.

Abraham was initially elusive, prompting law enforcement to issue a public appeal for information regarding his whereabouts. Fortunately, he was apprehended following tips from vigilant community members, an important reminder that staying informed can help protect individuals from nefarious activities.

Calling All Victims

Residents should remain vigilant and ensure that any contractor they hire is licensed and has the appropriate permits. To prevent future scams, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and seek referrals from trusted friends or family members.

Contact Information

If you believe you have been a victim of contractor fraud or have information regarding Terrance Abraham, you can reach out to the Shreveport Police Department or Caddo Crime Stoppers. Taking action and reporting these incidents not only helps you but can also protect your fellow citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.

As these cases unfold, Shreveport residents are reminded to stay alert and be cautious. These fraudulent activities serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved when hiring contractors. Always do your due diligence!