Jackson, MS-Two Coast Contractors are facing home repair fraud charges, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.  Anthony Ross Morgan, age 46, of D’Iberville is charged with two counts of Felony Home Repair Fraud and two Misdemeanor counts of Contracting without a State License.  Paul Lee Warren, age 39, of Gulfport, is charged with two Misdemeanor counts of Contracting without a State License. 
Both men turned themselves in Friday, November 30 , to Investigators with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office and were booked into the Harrison County Adult Detention Center.  Warrants for the men were obtained from Justice Court Judge Bruce Strong after an investigation of complaints filed by two Biloxi Residents.  Both of the complaints involved repairs to homes needed due to Hurricane Katrina damage. 
Morgan and Warren were doing business as Church of Christ Construction, but were not licensed by the State Board of Contractors.  Morgan was charged with the Felony Home Repair based on billing for work that was not done or not completed.  Morgan’s bond was set at $22,000 ($10,000 for each felony count and $1,000 each on the misdemeanor charges).  Warren’s bond was set at $2,000 ($1,000 for each misdemeanor).
“Anyone can get taken advantage of in a situation like this,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.  “The important thing to remember is to get a contract, get all your terms in writing.  That way, even if a crooked contractor takes advantage, then we have a stronger case to prosecute them on.”
A model contract and consumer tips on home repair contracting can be found on the Consumers page of our website.