Haughton Family Faces Contractor Fraud Crisis in Fight for Dream Home

Haughton Family Fights for Their Dream Home Amidst Contractor Chaos

HAUGHTON, La. — It’s a story that’s tugging at the heartstrings of many in this close-knit community. The Peters family, who had dreams of building their perfect home to accommodate their growing family, now find themselves in a financial and emotional battle against a local contractor. With mounting issues and unanswered questions, they are looking for justice and the chance to finally move into their new home.

From Dreams to Disasters

It all started when Lindsey Peters and her husband Nick welcomed their third child and decided they needed more space. “We didn’t have room in our current house for three children,” Lindsey explained. Excited about the possibilities, they entered into a contract with Justin Penn, the owner of Creed Contracting, along with Community Bank of Louisiana, to begin building their new residence last year. But what should have been a joyous journey quickly turned into a nightmare.

In September, the Peters received a shocking email from their builder stating he was quitting their job and shutting down his business. This left the Peters feeling as if the ground had been swept from beneath them. “In a letter, he said, ‘I have to close Creed’s doors because I can’t survive on this path,’” Lindsey shared, her frustration evident. By that time, the couple claimed Penn had already withdrawn over $225,000 from their construction account meant to fund various stages of the building process.

The Money That Disappeared

With bank inspectors supposed to verify the work before funds were released, the Peters assumed their investment was being handled appropriately. However, Nick discovered alarming issues during a visit to the construction site, including faulty wiring and missing windows. “The builders informed me the house grew an extra two feet in length, which messed up the layout inside,” said Nick, still in disbelief over what he found.

The couple alleges that the funds were misused, and now they are feeling the financial strain. Community Bank is demanding mortgage payments, but Lindsey and Nick are struggling, having had to hire a new contractor and legal help to fix the costly mistakes left behind. Nick has requested inspection records from the bank, but they’ve yet to provide any substantial information.

Echoes of Concern from Others

Sadly, the Peters aren’t the only ones raising alarms. Joanna King, a resident of DeSoto Parish, echoed similar issues with Penn. She claims he withdrew funds from her loan without purchasing the necessary supplies, and even had receipts that were fictional. “Lowe’s confirmed the appliances were never ordered,” King insisted, showcasing her battle with the contractor.

Seeking Answers, But Getting Silence

Inquiries have been made to Community Bank of Louisiana, but the reply was a public relations one, citing privacy during ongoing litigation. The bank claimed to have no formal connection with Penn or his businesses. However, documents provided by the Peters hint at significant amounts of money exchanged between the bank and Creed Contracting.

On the flip side, Justin Penn was contacted for comment but directed inquiries to his attorney, who stated they could not discuss the matter due to ongoing legal issues related to multiple charges he’s currently facing.

Looking to the Future

Nick and Lindsey, along with others who have fallen victim to Penn’s alleged fraudulent behavior, now look towards the courtroom with hope. “We just want our money back, to move into our home, and to put this behind us,” Lindsey said, with determination. The Peters are scheduled to confront Penn in Bossier District Court as he faces serious charges including residential contractor fraud and bank fraud.

As their trial date nears on February 3, this family is asking for support and understanding from the community. After all, all they wanted was a safe and loving home for their children. Now, they’re merely fighting to reclaim their dream.