Timothy Phelps of Timberline Construction was sentenced to five years in prison after he pled guilty to felony construction fraud for collecting $90,000 but failing to complete a project at a Virginia Beach home.
Investigators say Phelps agreed to build a garage but continually asked the homeowners for more money for materials and so he could make payroll. The victims paid Phelps $120,000 total, but because he did have a subcontractor dig a foundation and do some work the total amount of fraud was $90,000.
Phelps was sentenced to 15 years in prison with 10 years suspended, so he will only serve five. He must also begin paying the victims restitution upon his release.