In a recent development, Jacob "Jake" Meadows, a 38-year-old contractor from West Virginia, has once again come under scrutiny for alleged fraudulent activities. Previously charged in Putnam County for failing to complete construction jobs after receiving payments, Meadows is now facing new allegations in Wayne County. According to court documents, he was arrested on felony charges of false pretenses and subsequently released on a $40,000 bond. This case highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding Meadows' business practices and raises questions about consumer protection in the construction industry.

The latest accusations stem from a contract signed in July 2024 between Meadows and a local resident. The agreement stipulated that Meadows would dismantle an existing porch and construct a new one using composite materials within seven weeks. In exchange, the homeowner provided cashier's checks totaling $31,500. Despite these payments, no work was completed, nor were any materials delivered. The victim reported that Meadows left his tools at her property and failed to respond adequately to her repeated attempts to communicate.

This incident is not isolated. Law enforcement officials have noted that Meadows has been involved in multiple cases of similar nature. A detective from Putnam County revealed that the state Attorney General’s Office is already aware of Meadows’ activities and has previously charged him with several instances of false pretenses. These recurring issues underscore a pattern of deceptive behavior that has affected multiple homeowners across different counties.

Local authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward if they have had similar experiences with Meadows. The investigation continues as officials aim to gather more evidence and take appropriate legal action. This case serves as a stark reminder for consumers to exercise caution when engaging contractors and to thoroughly vet their credentials and track record before making any financial commitments.