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Livingston man arrested after leaving repair jobs incomplete

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Casey Dion SmelleyCasey Dion SmelleyA Livingston man was arrested after several people claim he took their money for remodeling work that was not finished.

Casey Dion Smelley, 29, is said to have represented himself as a contractor on home repairs. He reportedly has been hired by multiple homeowners, accepted money, then left jobs incomplete.
A woman who spoke to the Enterprise on the condition of anonymity said she has lost over $35,000 and has a bid for another $170,000 to fix what Smelley’s company left, and finish the work she wanted originally.

“He was arrested for misappropriation of funds, because he would take people’s money and he wouldn’t finish the remodel, or he would just take the money and not do the job,” the woman said. 

The woman entrusted the money to Smelley, she said, because he told her if she didn’t “lock in” a price now, the job would cost double when complete because of inflation.

“That’s how he would talk people into giving him half of the money,” the woman said. “There’s about six or seven people that have come forward to the detective and told him that they got scammed by him also. He’s taken over $150,000 and there’s got to be more.”

A report from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department shows that Smelley was arrested by the Livingston Police Department Aug. 9. The charge of misapplication of fiduciary property or property of financial institution is listed between $30,000 and $150,000. 

Under Section 32.45 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual commits an offense when he intentionally, knowingly or recklessly misapplies property he holds as a fiduciary in a manner that involves substantial risk of loss to the owner of the property.

“The work that he did was so bad that I’m going to have to have it tore out,” she said. “He didn’t finish one thing that he had to do. He did half of everything in each room.”

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jack · 1 years ago
    A lot of shady construction companies in Livingston. Watch out for Neals construction too. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Cameron Neal · 1 years ago
      @Jack I sold this guy one of my used ls trucks and he blew it up asap after I tried to offer him the head gaskets kit it needed he wouldn't stop harrasing me says I scamed him now said he will slander my company and will stop at nothing says he will loose all he has to do so 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Joe Thinnes · 1 years ago
      @Jack Why don't you tell the TRUTH that you got a truck from Cameron and blew up the motor and wanted what you gave for the truck and he told you no so you said you would bash his business so here you are bashing  Man's Business Cameron is a FAMILY MAN also the Father of my Grandbabys 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Cameron Neal · 1 years ago
      @Jack Hi, I am sorry that you have had a bad experience with the owner of Neal Construction in reference to the purchasing of a vehicle from him, however, the integrity of the company and dependability to deliver great services to their customers has nothing to do with this purchase! 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    mja · 1 years ago
    I hired an individual to build two tiny homes.  He did not finish & he did such a horrible job I could not rent the homes.  I filed a lawsuit against him.  He is still working in Livingston.  Texas needs to do something about the unethical contractors.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Cameron Neal · 1 years ago
      @Micheal Owens Anyone can also get my name and reputation from Thomas supply as well yes Micheal this is what I tell everyone even if u don't go with me do your research 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Micheal Owens · 1 years ago
      @D You speak truth, go to Thomas Supply, they have a list of real local contractors who have been doing business here for years. Antley Construction is probably the best.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Cameron Neal · 1 years ago
      @mja Hi, I am sorry this happened to you! Give me a call, I would like to come out and take a look and get a plan together that fits your budget if you are willing and able. 979-446-2971 Cameron Neal
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Joseph Johnson · 1 years ago
      @mja I agree Kevin Kurchmer needs to be arrested and put away 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      D · 1 years ago
      @mja Don’t hire the cheapest price. Look for reputable.  That’s the problem is everyone wants quality but don’t wanna pay for it. 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nicole Vanhowten · 1 years ago
    My husband does an awesome job and has plenty of references ❤️ J's Handyman Services 936-244-8198 James Vanhowten